The alkali metals are lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr). All of the alkali metals are found in group IA (1) of the periodic table of the elements.

Because chemical properties are determined by the outer electron configuration of elements, it is important to note that the valence (outer) shell of all alkali metals contains a lone s¹ electron. Lithium has a 2s¹ outermost electron. Sodium has a 3s¹ outermost electron. Potassium has a 4s¹ outermost electron. Rubidium has a 5s¹ outermost electron. Cesium has a 6s¹ outermost electron. Francium has a 7s¹ outermost electron.

All of the alkali metals seek to lose their outermost s¹ electron in to achieve the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas. Because they lose their valence electron easily, these elements are very reactive. In nature, alkali metals are found only as ions (charged...