How does the oxidising power of the group 1 metals vary?

The group one metals all have one electron in their outer shell, so are "electron donors". The further down the group one goes, the higher the electron shell containing the lone electron. The result of this is that this electron is held on to less tightly by the nucleus, and therefore the metals at the bottom of the group are more reactive than those at the top of the group.

AK
Answered by Adithya K. Chemistry tutor

3485 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is meant by the term amphoteric? and give an example of a reaction using NaOH that could be used to distinguish between a solution of amphoteric AlCl3 and non-amphoteric MgCl2.


Give reasons for the increase in ionisation energy across a period in the table of elements.


What is a test for iron(III) compounds?


The standard enthalpy of formation of glucose is -1273.3kJ/mol, and for carbon dioxide it is -393.5kJ/mol, and for water -285.8 kJ/mol. What is the standard enthalpy of combustion of glucose, C6H12O6?


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