The alkali metals start at the very first column on the periodic table. All of them have the same properties: shiny metallic look, soft, and can be cut with a knife. These metals do not occur freely in nature...thank goodness or we would have things blowing up all around us! What makes alkali metals so exciting? They are highly, let me repeat, HIGHLY, reactive. All of them have one extra electron that they are willing to throw away in a second, this makes them quick to react (explode)! These metals will react quickly with water, and acids. Someone asked the question: What would happen if you threw a block of sodium into the ocean? I couldn't find the ocean, but I found a river: So...what about the Alkaline Earth Metal Family? Are they highly reactive too? All of these metals are shiny, a silvery white color, low boiling point and somewhat reactive with other elements? Why? The members of this family include beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium. These metals want to throw away 2 electrons! Wouldn't they be the most reactive? Two electrons, double the reaction? Nope! And it has to do with "energy". It takes more "energy" to throw out 2 electrons. The alkaline earth metals do know how to bond with others, but they different from their neighbors, the Alkali Metals... Let's look at Calcium, it is not found in nature in a pure form, but in a combination with other elements. Calcium is very important to oceans and humans! All of us need calcium to build stronger bones and teeth. Calcium is found in lots of fruits and vegetables, nuts and grains. If our bodies couldn't use Calcium we would develop a disease called Rickets. This disease causes the bones to be soft and unable to support the weight of the person as they grow. Older people tend to not absorb calcium as well and can develop Osteoporosis. This can cause older people to have brittle bones which break easily. Rickets above, verses osteoporosis below... Strontium is a larger atom that is more reactive with other elements. You can find strontium in sparklers, and fireworks. Also can be found in toothpaste and cement.... Personally speaking, I'd rather not have chemical reactions going on in my mouth while I brush my teeth....that's kind of...gross....
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Mrs. TaylorI love science! Everything about the world is interesting and never boring. I love to study plants, animals, insects, and people. My favorite subjects are my students who are the most unique organisms on the planet! Categories |