Why does the reactivity of the Group 1 elements increase as you go down the group?

As you descend group 1, there is an increasing number of electron shells, therefore increasing the distance between the positive nucleus and the negative outer electron which decreases the attraction between the two. Due to the group 1 elements forming ionic compounds, they lose their outer electron when they react and so the weaker attraction between the nucleus and the outer electron means they are able to lose that electron more easily and therefore are more reactive.

BJ
Answered by Bethan J. Chemistry tutor

2628 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Potassium forms an ionic compound with sulfur. Describe what happens when two atoms of potassium react with one atom of sulfur. Give your answer in terms of electron transfer.


What will be the resulting molecule if carbon-14 underwent beta decay?


What's the difference between an ionic bond and a covalent bond?


Explain what oxidation and reduction means in terms of electrons.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning