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The group 1 elements the alkali metals are all highly reactive, losing their one outer electron to form a 1+ ion with non-metals. They have to be stored under oil, or they react with oxygen in the air. They are the most reactive metals. Potassium and sodium are at the top of the reactivity series. They all have the common properties of metals, being silvery-grey in colour, and good conductors of heat and electricity. Their reaction with cold water produces hydrogen gas. When lithium, sodium or potassium are put in water, they react very vigorously, they move around the surface, fizzing furiously. They produce hydrogen gas, potassium gets hot enough to ignite it. A lighted splint will indicate hydrogen. Alkali metals are unusually soft, and can easily be cut with a knife. The first three members, lithium, sodium and potassium, are unique in being the only metals, which are less dense...

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