Question

What is the valence electron configuration for the alkali metals? List some common properties of alkali metals. How are the pure metals prepared?

Short answer

• The valence electron configuration for the alkali metals is ${\text{ns}}^{\text{1}}$.
• Some common properties of alkali metals are - low melting and boiling points, low density, electropositive, +1 cations.
• Electrolysis of molten chloride salts or reduction of alkali salts with Mg and H₂ result in the preparation of pure metals.

Step-by-step solution

Electronic Configuration Definition

The distribution of electrons in atomic or molecular orbitals of an atom, molecule, or other physical structure is known as electron configuration.

tep 2: Electron Configuration for alkalis and properties of alkalis

The alkali metals have an${\text{ns}}^{\text{1}}$valence shell electron configuration. The alkali metals exhibit many similar properties.

They are the most electropositive elements known, and they are extremely reactive elements.

They are powerful reducing agents and, thus, always occur in nature as +1 cations rather than as free metals.

The alkali metals also have lower melting and boiling points than any other group of metals.

Preparation of pure metals

The pure metals are prepared by electrolysis of molten chloride salts and reduction of alkali salts with Mg and H₂ .

In all production methods,$H_{2}O$and$O_2$must be absent because they are capable of oxidizing alkali metals.

Therefore, alkalis have an ${\text{ns}}^{\text{1}}$ valence shell electron configuration. Their properties include low melting and boiling points, low density, electropositive, 1+ cations. Pure metals are prepared by electrolysis of molten chloride salts or reduction of alkali salts with Mg and H₂ .