Which of the following traits characterizes the alkali metals?
A)very high melting point
B)existence as diatomic molecules
C)formation of dianions
D)the lowest first ionization energies in a period
E)the smallest atomic radius in a period

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The alkali metals have the lowest first ionization energies in their respective periods, which means they have a strong tendency to lose their outermost electron and form a +1 cation. This is a defining characteristic of the alkali metals. A, B, C, and E are not true for alkali metals - their melting points are relatively low, they exist as monatomic species (not diatomic), they tend to form monanions (not dianions), and they have larger atomic radii than the elements preceding them in their respective periods.

Which of the Following Traits Characterizes the Alkali Metals