Atoms.
They make up everything
from your morning beverage
to to the car you use.
And without them
nothing could exist.
The periodic table.
A collection of atoms or elements. We all know about the common elements:
Hydrogen, Helium,
Oxygen.
But what about those peculiar elements in the far left. Those
are the Alkali metals.
There are six known Alkali metals.
All are extremely reactive.
These special metals are very malleable, ductile,
and extremely conductive. Interestingly
all of these metals have very low melting points; less than 200 degrees
Celsius
in addition many of these metals are so soft that they can be cut.
Lithium has an atomic number of 3 and an atomic mass of 6.9 AMU,
and ion charge of 1+, 2 electron shells,
and 1 valence electron.
Sodium has an atomic number of 11, an atomic mass of 23 AMU, an ion charge of 1+,
3 electron shells,
and 1 valence electron.
Potassium has an atomic number of 19,
an atomic mass of 39.1 AMU,
an ion charge of 1+,
and 1 valence electron.
Rubidium has an atomic number of 37, an atomic mass of 85.5 AMU,
an ion charge of 1+,
5 electron shells,
and 1 valence electron.
Cesium has an atomic number of 55,
an atomic mass of 132.9 AMU,
an ion charge of 1+, 6 electron shells,
and 1 valence electron. Francium has an atomic number of 87,
an atomic mass of 223 AMU, an ion charge of 1+,
and 1 valence electron.
Now it's time to meet the wonderful Alkali metal family.
What's that over there?
Why it's little Lithium!
To the right of him is Sodium the kid.
But be careful. His mood can turn salty fast. His best friends Potassium and Rubidium are
are right beside him. Oh boy! In the far right corner are fat old Mrs, Cesium and fatter Mr. Francium.
I would think twice about arguing with them.
Their moods can get explosive at times.
But why is the Alkali family so special?
Why, they are the most reactive family in the Periodic table. Mr. Helium once saw Mr. Francium
bump into Mr. Oxygen, causing Francium's temper to flare up.