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

9203 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why do ionic compounds like NaCl conduct electricity when dissolved but not when they’re solid, whereas metals conduct electricity when they’re solid?


At room temperature and pressure, the first 4 alkanes are all gases, but the first 4 alcohols are all liquids. Explain this.


The reversible reaction of sulfur dioxide and oxygen to form sulfur trioxide is shown below. 2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3(g) An equilibrium mixture contains 2.4mol SO2, 1.2mol O2 and 0.4mol SO3. The total pressure is 250atm. What is the p(SO3)?


Why can graphite be used as a lubricant?


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