Question

Write the electronic configuration of alkali metals.

Answer 1

Hint: The elements of group one are called alkali metals. They reside in the s block and are also called s block elements. The elements of group one are called alkali metals because their oxides and hydroxides are basic. Examples are lithium, sodium and potassium.

Complete answer: We know that alkali metals belong to the s block elements occupying the extreme left part of the periodic table. They are very reactive and found in the form of compounds only. They are electropositive metals with unit valence. They have one electron in their valence shell. The electronic configuration is given by $n{s}^1$, where n is the principal quantum number. They tend to lose the outermost electrons to form cations with $+1$ charge. This makes them the most electropositive elements and thus they are not found in the free state.

Additional information: Alkali metals donate one electron to gain a noble gas configuration. Therefore they all are univalent electropositive metals. Among alkali metals, lithium-ion is the most soluble as solubility decreases with an increasing size down the group. They are very soft and have low melting points. They give the characteristic flame test and this can be used as an identification of the alkali metals.

So the electronic configuration of alkali metals is $n{s}^1$.

Note: Hydrogen although having one electron in its shell is not an alkali metal. It is because it is mostly found as a gas at normal temperature and pressure. It can transform into alkali metal on the application of high pressure.