Question

Explain the following:
i. Alkali metals are never found in free state in nature.
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Answer 1

Answer:

Alkali metals are the first group in the periodic table. They are never found in nature uncombined because they are unstable and they react fast to other elements. They bond well with all elements except the noble gases.

Answer 2

Answer:

• All alkali metals are most electropositive metals. They have one valence electron (i.e., ns¹) outside the noble gas core.

• This valence electron is loosely held and can be lost easily to produce corresponding monovalent M ions. Hence, alkali metals show +1 oxidation state.

• The monovalent M ions readily combine with other elements to form various compounds.

• Thus, owing to their highly reactive nature, alkali metals are never found in free state.