Question

When this element was discovered, it exhibited luster and malleability, and it reacted very vigorously with water. This element is never found as a free element in nature and always exists in a compound. To which group does this element most likely belong?

a) alkali metals
b) halogens
c) noble gases
d) transition metals

Answer 1

a) alkali metals

Step-by-step explanation:

The element described above definitely belonged to the alkali metals, the first group on the periodic table. They show the properties indicated in the text.

• They are metals because only metals are lustrous and malleable. This eliminates the possibility of them being halogens and noble gases.
• Only group 1 metals reacts vigorously with water to form alkali.
• Alkali are aqueous solutions that are basic in nature.
• The reactivity of group 1 metals is due to their one extra electrons in the outer most shell.
• These electrons are easily and readily lost in order for such atoms to gain stability and replicate the nearest noble gases.
• The most reactive metal belongs to this group elements.
• This is why it is nearly impossible to find them occurring alone in free state.
• Some of the elements in this group are Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and Fr.
• Transition metals have variable oxidation states and some can be found alone in nature.