Metal Reactivity

Reactivity on the Periodic Table

Demonstration Outside

Complete the Chart

​Metal	​Observation	​Relative Reactivity	​Position on the Periodic Table
​Sodium	​	​	​
​Potassium	​	​	​
​Calcium	​	​	​

Complete the Chart

​Metal	​Observation	​Relative Reactivity	​Position on the Periodic Table
​Sodium	​Bubble, float, fizz, flame	​Medium	​
​Potassium	​Sparks, flame	​High	​
​Calcium	​Slow bubbling, no reaction	Low​	​

Think-Pair-Share

Question 1:

What did you notice about the reactions?

Think-Pair-Share

Question 2:

Which metal seemed the most reactive?

Think-Pair-Share

Question 3:

What do you think causes that difference?

Multiple Choice

Which metal was the most reactive?

• Sodium

• Calcium

• Potassium

Where are they on the Table?

Which groups do these elements belong to?

Where are they on the Table?

Match

What are the names of Group 1 and Group 2?

• Group 1

• Group 2

• Hydrogen

Alkali Metals

Alkali Earth Metals

No actual group - located above group 1

• Alkali Metals

• Alkali Earth Metals

• No actual group - located above group 1

Multiple Choice

What does the Group Number of an element tell us?

• number of electrons

• number of electron shells

• number of valence electrons

• number of protons

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are those found in the outer ring of an atom

Valence electrons help us determine how reactive an element will be

Group 2 has two valence electrons

More VE = harder to lose = less reactive

Group 2

Group 1 has one valence electron

Less VE = easier to lose = more reactive

Group 1

Valence Electrons and Reactivity

The larger the atomic mass, the more reactive the element is. This is because the valence electrons are further away from the nucleus.

Atomic Mass and Reactivity

Multiple Choice

Predict: Which element is more reactive?

• Lithium

• Cesium

• Neon

• Argon

Multiple Choice

Predict: Which element is more reactive?

• Strontium

• Magnesium

• Neon

• Argon

Open Ended

Challenge Question: Why do elements on the far right side of the Periodic Table (like Chlorine) also show high reactivity, even though they aren't metals?

Exit Ticket - answer on the back of your chart paper

1. Which metal was the most reactive in the demonstration?

2. How does reactivity change as you move down a group?

3. How does the number of valence electrons affect reactivity?