Describe chemical characteristics of group one element with their explanation and examples?

Group 1 elements, also known as alkali metals, are highly reactive metals that have one electron in their outermost shell. This makes them very eager to lose that electron in order to achieve a stable electron configuration. As a result, they are very reactive with water and oxygen.

Some common characteristics of group 1 elements include:

1. Softness: Group 1 elements are very soft and can be easily cut with a knife. This is because the single electron in their outer shell is easily lost, leading to weak metallic bonding.

2. Low melting and boiling points: Group 1 elements have low melting and boiling points compared to other metals. This is due to the weak metallic bonding caused by the loss of the outer electron.

3. Reactivity with water: Group 1 elements react vigorously with water to form alkaline hydroxides and hydrogen gas. For example, sodium reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas:

2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) -> 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)

4. Reactivity with oxygen: Group 1 elements react with oxygen to form metal oxides. For example, lithium reacts with oxygen to form lithium oxide:

4Li(s) + O2(g) -> 2Li2O(s)

Overall, group 1 elements are highly reactive metals with unique chemical characteristics due to their single outer electron.