Alkali metals have a corresponding [Noble gas] ns 1 electronic configuration. They occupy the first column of the periodic table. Alkali elements are Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Ru), Cesium (Cs) and Francium (Fr), occupying successive periods from first to seven. Francium is a radioactive element with a very low half-life. Definition: What are the Alkali Metals The alkali metals, also known as the alkali metal family is a group of six elements characterized by common physical and chemical properties, a similar electron configuration, and shared periodic trends. All the alkali metals are found in nature, but being highly reactive, they do not occur freely in their pure form [1]. Learn the properties of the alkali metals, the group 1 elements on the periodic table, along with fun facts, chemistry and why they are reactive. The alkali metals consist of the chemical elements lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), [note 1] rubidium (Rb), caesium (Cs), [note 2] and francium (Fr). Together with hydrogen they constitute group 1, [note 3] which lies in the s-block of the periodic table.
