Question

1.3 A learner listed the following as characteristics of alkali metals:

1. These metals are so reactive that they are never found in the uncombined state in nature
II. When exposed to air, they slowly lose their shiny appearance as they combine with oxygen
III. These metals have a great tendency to gain a single electron
IV. The react with water to produce oxygen gas and the corresponding metal hydroxide Which of the above are the correct properties?
A. I and II
B. I, II and III
C. I, II and IV
D. I, II, III and IV​

Answer 1

The correct properties of alkali metals are as follows:

I. These metals are so reactive that they are never found in the uncombined state in nature.

II. When exposed to air, they slowly lose their shiny appearance as they combine with oxygen.

IV. They react with water to produce hydrogen gas and the corresponding metal hydroxide.

Therefore, the correct option is (C) I, II, and IV. Option (B) is incorrect because alkali metals have a great tendency to lose a single electron, not gain one. Option (D) is incorrect because option III is incorrect