Definition

1. Noun:
   • Any of the monovalent metals of group I of the periodic table: This term refers to any of the highly reactive, soft, metallic elements found in Group 1 of the periodic table. These elements are characterized by having a single electron in their outermost shell, which they readily lose to form +1 cations.
   • A metal whose hydroxide is strongly alkaline: A defining chemical property of these metals is that their hydroxides are soluble bases, resulting in strongly alkaline (basic) solutions when dissolved in water.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Sodium is a common alkali metal.
  • The alkali metals react vigorously with water.
  • Francium is the rarest naturally occurring alkali metal.

Advanced Usage

• "The alkali metal series": Refers to the complete group or family of these elements.
  • The reactivity increases down the alkali metal series.
• "Alkali metal ion": Refers to the positively charged cation (e.g., Na⁺, K⁺) formed when an alkali metal atom loses its valence electron.
  • Potassium ions are essential electrolytes in the human body.

Variants and Related Words

• Alkaline (adj): Having the properties of an alkali; basic. (e.g., ).
• Alkalinity (n): The state or quality of being alkaline. (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Group 1 metal: A synonym based on its position in the standard periodic table.
• Lithium group metal: A less common synonym referencing the first member of the series.

Related Phrases

• Alkali metal halide: A compound formed between an alkali metal and a halogen (e.g., sodium chloride, NaCl).
  • Sodium chloride is a typical alkali metal halide.
• Alkali metal amalgam: An alloy of an alkali metal with mercury.
  • Sodium amalgam is used in some chemical reactions.

Noun

1. any of the monovalent metals of group I of the periodic table (lithium or sodium or potassium or rubidium or cesium or francium)
   • the hydroxides of the alkali metals are strongly alkaline