Active metals, found in group I of the periodic table, react strongly due to the arrangement of electrons in their structure. They have a single electron in their outer shell and can cause explosive reactions with water. They are used in controlled chemical reactions and in the manufacture of products.
An active metal is one that tends to react strongly and rapidly to other elements due to the arrangement of electrons in its structure. These elements are found at the far left of the periodic table, in group I. Hydrogen, at the top of this column in the periodic table, shares their characteristics but is not classified as an active metal.
Every active metal has a single electron in its outer shell. It can exchange this electron easily to create a cation and a chemical reaction will occur. This reaction can sometimes be explosive in nature. These metals are so unstable that they do not appear freely in pure form in the natural environment. The pure active metal would interact with the water and air and decompose into a different form of the element.
Also known as alkali metals, active metals include examples such as lithium, rubidium, potassium and sodium. The instability of these metals requires researchers who want to work with their pure forms to store them contained and covered by an inert material. Oils are commonly used to insulate active metals so they don’t react with the surrounding air or water vapor in the air. Some science students may have seen demonstrations where instructors take chunks of active metal and drop them into containers of water to show how these metals behave in nature.
The active metal can react so strongly with water that it causes an explosion. The force of the reaction can force a rain of water out of a container as the element interacts with the liquid. Demonstrations of these types of reactions, in addition to capturing the attention of students who enjoy explosions, also serve as a warning to students who may be handling active metals. Metals are so reactive that they can even trigger chemical reactions from the sweat on your hands, and it’s crucial to handle them with care to avoid injury.
The very reactivity of active metals can make them useful for a variety of activities. They are used in controlled chemical reactions and in the manufacture of a variety of products. Lithium, for example, is used in compound form in batteries known to be extremely long-lived. Chemists work with active metals in a variety of environments, and many can be ordered through scientific supply companies. Cost can vary, as some metals are rarer and can be difficult to obtain, and all require special handling precautions during production and packaging.
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