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

3622 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why do we use the n+1 rule in proton NMR?


State and explain the general trend in the first ionisation energies of the Period 2 elements Lithium to Fluorine.


How would you test for the presence of a phenol?


Why do group 3 metals form more acidic aqueous solutions than group 2 metals?


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