Group 1A elements, also known as alkali metals, include lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr). These elements are characterized by having a single electron in their outermost shell.
When these elements form ions, they tend to lose that one valence electron to achieve a more stable electron configuration. As a result, alkali metals typically form ions with a +1 charge. For example:
- Lithium (Li) forms Li+
- Sodium (Na) forms Na+
- Potassium (K) forms K+
- Rubidium (Rb) forms Rb+
- Cesium (Cs) forms Cs+
- Francium (Fr) forms Fr+
This +1 charge occurs because the elements in Group 1A are very eager to lose their single valence electron, thus achieving a stable, noble gas electron configuration. This behavior is a defining characteristic of the alkali metals.