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6. Figure 13 shows some information about some group 1 metals - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry Combined Science - Question 6 - 2023 - Paper 2
Question 6
6. Figure 13 shows some information about some group 1 metals. | group 1 metal | atomic number | relative atomic mass | |---------------|---------------|-----------... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:6. Figure 13 shows some information about some group 1 metals - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry Combined Science - Question 6 - 2023 - Paper 2
Step 1
Explain, in terms of their electronic configurations, why these metals are placed in group 1 of the periodic table.
Answer
Group 1 metals are characterized by their electronic configurations, which all culminate in a single electron in their outermost shell (valence shell). Specifically, these metals have the general electronic configuration of
where 'n' represents the principal quantum number corresponding to the period the element belongs to. This unique configuration leads to similar chemical properties such as high reactivity with water and the formation of positive ions (cations) by losing that one valence electron.
Step 2
Which row shows two correct properties of group 1 metals?
Answer
The correct answer is row B: 'low melting points' and 'compounds are blue in colour.' Group 1 metals are known for having relatively low melting points compared to other metals, and their compounds often produce characteristic colors, including blue in the case of some sodium and potassium compounds.