Alkali metals  Properties  Flame colors over the Bunsen burner  Application  Video on How alkali metals reacts with water Chintal Desai Chintal Desai

Periodic table

Lithium (Lithos) (Li)  It is the first member of the Alkali Metal family.  Lithium is the lightest of all metals Crimson red flame silvery white

Application of Li  It compounds are used in certain kinds of glass and porcelain products.  More recently lithium has become important in dry-cell batteries and nuclear reactors.  Some compounds of lithium have been used to treat manic depressives.

Sodium (Natria) Na  Sodium is perhaps the most characteristic alkali metal.  Reacts violently with water and rapidly with the oxygen in air.  Soft enough to cut with a knife.  It is the sixth most abundant element in the earth's crust. Silvery white Golden yellow

Application of Na  Sodium in its elemental state it has been used as a molten coolant in nuclear reactors  Is currently under research for sodium/sulfur batteries.  Its most common compounds for industrial use include sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide (lye), sodium carbonate (washing soda) and sodium sulfate.

Potassium (kalium ) K  The seventh most abundant element.  Potassium is less dense than water  Potassium reacts so violently with water that it bursts into flame pale lavender

Application of Potassium Important compounds of potassium include  potassium hydroxide (KOH) (used in some drain cleaners),  potassium superoxide, KO2,( used in respiratory equipment )  potassium nitrate, used in fertilizers and pyrotechnics.  Like sodium ions, the presence of potassium ions in the body is essential for the correct function of many cells

Rubidium (Latin: rubidius = red)  Is similar in physical and chemical characteristics to potassium, but much more reactive.  It is the seventeenth most abundant element.  Its melting point is so low you could melt it in your hand if you had a fever (39oC). (Dangerous!!) Violet

Application of Rb  Rubidium was once thought to be quite rare but recent discoveries of large deposits indicate that there is plenty to use.  However at present it finds only limited application in the manufacture of cathode ray tubes.