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An '''alkali metal''' is one of a group of [[element]]s in the [[periodic table]]. It is in the first column of the periodic table. The alkali metals are all very soft. All of them can be sliced with a knife. All of them are light. [[Lithium]], the first one, is only half the weight of water. All of them are very reactive. They get more reactive toward the bottom of the column. Lithium ican be found in [[lithium battery|lithium batteries]]. All of the other alkali metals are not common in household items. The alkali metals are strong [[reducing agent]]s.

An '''alkali metal''' is one of the [[element]]s in the first column of the [[periodic table]]. The alkali metals are all very soft, and all of them can be sliced with a knife. All of them are relatively light; [[lithium]], the first one, is only half the density of water. In the elemental form, all of them are very reactive and strong [[reducing agent]]s. In fact, they react explosively with [[water]] and thus must be stored under [[oil|mineral oil]] under laboratory conditions. Alkali metals get more reactive toward the bottom of the column. Lithium can be found in [[lithium battery|lithium batteries]] and some [[medicine]]s. The other alkali metals are not common in household items.

Sodium and potassium [[chemical compound|compounds]] are needed in the human body, while lithium is a little toxic.

Sodium and potassium [[chemical compound|compounds]] are needed in the human body, while lithium can be slightly toxic.

==List of alkali metals==

==List of alkali metals==

*[[Potassium]]

*[[Potassium]]

*[[Rubidium]]

*[[Rubidium]]

*[[Caesium]]

*[[Cesium]]

*[[Francium]] (very unstable)

*[[Francium]] (very unstable)

[[Category:Elements]]

[[Category:Elements]]