Alkuaineilta

Alkuaineilta, also known as the Alkali Metals, are a group of chemical elements in the periodic table. They are located in the first column of the periodic table, also known as Group 1. The alkali metals include lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr). Francium is highly radioactive and has a very short half-life, making it difficult to study.

These elements are characterized by their high reactivity, especially with water, where they form hydroxides and release hydrogen gas. They have a single electron in their outermost shell, which makes them highly electropositive and prone to losing that electron in chemical reactions.

Alkali metals are soft, silvery metals at standard temperature and pressure. They have low densities and melting points, and they are good conductors of heat and electricity. Due to their reactivity, they are typically stored under oil to prevent reactions with air or water.

In nature, alkali metals are found in various minerals and compounds. They are essential for biological processes, with sodium and potassium playing crucial roles in nerve function and muscle contraction, respectively. Lithium is used in batteries and as a mood stabilizer in psychiatry. Cesium and rubidium have specific applications in atomic clocks and as a "getter" in vacuum tubes.