What happens to reactivity as you go down group 1 in the periodic table?

As you go down the group, what changes? The number of shells.

As you go down the group, what doesn't change? The number of electrons in the outer shell - it is always one.

For group 1, they become reactive when they can lose that electron. It is easier to lose it as the electron moves further away from the nucleus as the attraction is weaker. Therefore, reactivity increases down the group as the electron is further away.

Always remember NASA: nucleur charge, atomic radius, shielding and attraction.

DV
Answered by Divya V. Chemistry tutor

9528 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is a radical?


Cracking of the unbranched compound E, C6H14, produced the saturated compound F and an unsaturated compound G (Mr = 42). Identify these compounds and write an equation for the reaction.


Can you explain acylation?


Briefly describe the nature of three types of intramolecular bonding and two types of intermolecular bonding (drawings encouraged)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning