answersLogoWhite

0

Alkali metals react by losing the single electron that is in their outer shell. For higher atomic numbers, that shell is farther from the positively-charged nucleus, so electric force on the electron is less. Atoms with higher atomic numbers also have more protons, so you might expect them to attract an electron with a stronger force, but the extra protons are balanced by extra electrons. The net charge attracting the electron is still the same as that of one proton.

Less energy is required to separate the outer-shell electron from the atom and cause it to react.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

SteveSteve
Knowledge is a journey, you know? We'll get there.
Chat with Steve
CoachCoach
Success isn't just about winning—it's about vision, patience, and playing the long game.
Chat with Coach
JordanJordan
Looking for a career mentor? I've seen my fair share of shake-ups.
Chat with Jordan
More answers

The reactivity of alkali metals increases with increasing atomic number because the outermost electron in alkali metals is located in an orbital farther from the nucleus as you move down the group, making it easier to lose and participate in chemical reactions. Additionally, the atomic radius increases down the group, leading to lower ionization energy and higher reactivity.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

10mo ago
User Avatar

the energy levels are further and further from the positive pull of the nucleus, so the electrons expand outward

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why does the reactivity of the alkali metals increase with increasing atomic number?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What happens to the chemical reactivity of alkali metals as you increase atomic numbers?

The chemical reactivity of alkali metals increase when the atomic number increase.


Describe the Reactivity of group 1 element varies with increasing atomic number?

The reactivity of Group 1 elements increases with increasing atomic number. This is due to the fact that as atomic number increases, the outermost electron is farther away from the nucleus, making it easier to lose and therefore more reactive. Additionally, the size of the atom increases down the group, leading to a weaker attraction between the outermost electron and the nucleus, further enhancing reactivity.


What happens to the reactivity of halogens as you go down the group?

the reactivity of halogens goes on decreasing as we go down the group, because of increasing in atomic size of the respective element.


What happens to the reacivity of the alkali metals as you go down the group?

As you go down the group of alkali metals, the reactivity increases. This is because the outermost electron is further away from the nucleus, making it easier to lose and react with other substances. The larger size and lower ionization energy of the alkali metals further contribute to their increasing reactivity down the group.


What periodic trends of reactivity occur with the alkali metals?

Alkali metals become more reactive as you move down the group in the periodic table because atomic size increases, making it easier for the outermost electron to be lost. This is due to the decrease in ionization energy and increase in metallic character as you move down the group. Alkali metals react vigorously with water and oxygen, forming metal oxides and hydroxides.