Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Chapter
The Alkali Metals
85 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
31–35 of 35 · Normal
Question 31
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Give the formula and name for the hydroxide formed when francium reacts with water.
Question 32
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Answer the following questions about francium and its properties.
(a)[2 marks]Explain why we can predict the properties of francium, even though it is extremely rare.
(b)[2 marks]State one property francium would have as a solid and one as an aqueous compound.
Question 33
6 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Rubidium and caesium are Group 1 alkali metals.
(a)[2 marks]State two physical properties that rubidium and caesium have in common with other Group 1 metals.
(b)[2 marks]Describe what you would observe if a small piece of caesium was dropped into water.
(c)[2 marks]Explain, in terms of electronic configuration, why caesium reacts more rapidly with water than sodium.
Question 34
6 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The alkali metals show clear trends down Group 1.
(a)[2 marks]Rubidium and caesium are both placed below potassium in Group 1 of the Periodic Table. Predict how the reactivity of caesium compares to that of rubidium and explain your answer.
(b)[1 mark]Describe how the size of alkali metal atoms changes as you move from lithium to caesium in Group 1.
(c)[2 marks]Explain, in terms of electronic configuration, why alkali metals become more reactive as you move down Group 1.
(d)[1 mark]State the charge on an ion formed when a caesium atom reacts.
Question 35
6 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Rubidium (Rb) and caesium (Cs) are Group 1 alkali metals. Their physical and chemical properties follow group trends seen in other Group 1 metals such as lithium, sodium and potassium.
(a)[2 marks]State two physical properties that rubidium and caesium have in common with lithium, sodium, and potassium.
(b)[1 mark]Rubidium and caesium both react vigorously with water.
Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of caesium with water.
(c)[2 marks]Describe what you would observe when a small piece of caesium is added to water. Give two observations.
(d)[1 mark]Explain, in terms of electronic structure, why caesium reacts more violently with water than potassium.