1st group elements of periodic table i.e., lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and caesium are called alkali metals.
General properties:
(i) Alkali metals have general electronic configuration ns1E
(ii) Alkali metals exhibit on oxidation state of +1.
(iii) Atomic radius increases down the group from lithium to caesium.
(iv) The metallic property of alkali metals increases from lithium to caesium.
(v) Alkali metals have low ionization potential.
(vi) Due to low ionization power they are highly electropositive.
(vii) Alkali metals are light metals.
