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The alkali metals, found in group 1 of the periodic table (formerly known
as group IA), are very reactive metals that do not occur freely in nature.
These metals have only one electron in their outer shell. Therefore, they
are ready to lose that one electron in ionic bonding with other elements.
As with all metals, the alkali metals are malleable, ductile, and are good
conductors of heat and electricity. The alkali metals are softer than most
other metals. Cesium and francium are the most reactive elements in this
group. Alkali metals can explode if they are exposed to water.
The Alkali Metals are:
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