Final answer:
The first element in the modern periodic table is hydrogen (H), with the atomic number 1. It is placed in Group 1 but is not an alkali metal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first element in the modern periodic table is hydrogen (H). The modern periodic table is organized by increasing atomic number, starting with hydrogen, which has the atomic number 1.
In the periodic table, each row is called a period, and the first period contains only two elements: hydrogen and helium.
Hydrogen is often placed in Group 1 due to its chemical reactivity, although it is not an alkali metal like the other elements in this group, such as lithium (Li), sodium (Na), and potassium (K). Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is (1) Hydrogen.