![]() ![]() Noble gases (elements like neon and helium) are very unreactive because their outermost electron shells are full. In fact, reactivity in chemistry is defined by the number of electrons in the outermost shell. Having only one electron in the outermost shell makes it very easy for the atoms of alkali metals to reach points of stability – they just need to lose one electron! This willingness and ease of losing an electron to reach a state of equilibrium is known as high reactivity. This outermost shell is also called the valence shell, and the electrons that reside there are called valence electrons. However, elements in that first column of the periodic table all have one electron in their outermost shell. ![]() It's these shells of electrons and how alkali metals are structured that make them so reactive.Īll atoms naturally want to have a completely full outermost shell of electrons. The first shell can hold up to two electrons, the second up to eight, the third, 18 and the fourth, 32. These electrons exist in energy shells around the nucleus of the atoms, each of which can hold a varying number of electrons. Surrounding the nucleus of atoms are electrons, which are particles with a negative charge. Substances that are highly alkaline can form strong bases able to neutralize acids and maintain a stable ph level.Įvery element has a nucleus, made up of protons and neutrons, and alkali metals are no different. Alkalinity refers to the pH of the substance, or the ability to neutralize acid. Alkali metals are so-called because when they react with water, they create highly alkaline substances. ![]()
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