Why elements in in Group 1 & 7 display their characteristics?
The group 1 elements are known as the alkali metals and only have one valence electron. Because they only have 1 valence electron, these elements are HIGHLY reactive. The general picture in chemistry is all about stability. For elements, their goal is to achieve an “inert gas configuration” of 8 valence electrons by either gaining or losing electrons. The group 1 elements are so close to that inert gas configuration that all they have to do is lose ONE electron. This is why they are highly reactive, they are so close to being stable. In fact, alkali metals (in their metal solid state) react vigorously with air to form oxides. Here are some examples: 2Li+ + O2 -> Li2O 2Na+ + O2 -> Na2O 2K+ + O2 -> K2O Group 7 elements are sort of in the same boat. They have 7 valence electrons and are once again, very close to obtaining that “inert gas configuration.” Rather than losing electrons, these elements want to gain one more valence electron, so they really want to bond with another atom or mol
