The alkali metals exhibit similar chemical properties because
Answer Details
The alkali metals are a group of elements in the periodic table that include lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium. They exhibit similar chemical properties because they all have one valence electron in their outermost shell, which they readily give up to form positive ions. This makes them highly reactive and they are easily oxidized in air or water. The similarity in their electronic configuration results in similar chemical behavior, such as the ability to form ionic compounds with non-metals and the tendency to react vigorously with water to produce hydrogen gas and an alkali metal hydroxide.