The Alkali Metals
 

The most common alkali metals include lithium, sodium and potassium. They are the most reactive metals, each having only one electron in its outer electron orbital. When in a pure form, they are soft and can easily be cut with a knife. If they are exposed to air, they will react with oxygen gas. If exposed to water, they will react to produce hydrogen gas. Potassium is the most reactive in water, appearing to burst immediately into flames. Even bigger alkali metals such as rubidium will cause an explosion!

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