Group 1 Alkali Metals

Group properties 1 valence electron Forms +1 cations Most active metals Not found free in nature

H Hydrogen Makes an acid an acid Lightest element known All elements evolved from hydrogen by nuclear fusion. Flammable, see Hindenburg Protium, deuterium, and tritium

Li Lithium Batteries Medication for bipolar disorder LiOH used to filter CO2

Na Sodium From Latin natrium Most common cation in the body Works with potassium in the nerves and muscles Yellow street lights Significant in hypertension

K Potassium From Latin kalium Bananas are a good source Works with sodium in the nerves and muscles Too much can be fatal (KCl is one of the three lethal injection drugs)

Rb Rubidium Cancer tracers Bose-Einstein Condensates

Cs Cesium Generally accepted as the most reactive metal Television picture tubes

Fr Francium One of three elements named after the home of the Curies