Which elements are distinguished by being highly reactive and forming group 1 (IA) on the periodic table?

The elements that are highly reactive and form group 1 (IA) on the periodic table are known as alkali metals. These metals, which include lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium, exhibit characteristics that contribute to their high reactivity.

Alkali metals have one electron in their outermost shell, making it energetically favorable for them to lose that electron. This tendency to form positive ions (cations) leads to their impactful reactions with nonmetals, particularly halogens and water, often resulting in the release of hydrogen gas and the formation of hydroxides. The reactivity of these metals increases down the group, with lithium being the least reactive and francium the most.

In contrast, alkaline earth metals, which occupy group 2 (IIA), have two valence electrons and although they are reactive, they do not share the same level of reactivity as alkali metals. Noble gases, located in group 18 (VIIIA), are characterized by their complete valence electron shells, rendering them largely inert and unreactive. Metalloids possess properties of both metals and nonmetals and are found along the zigzag line on the periodic table, but they do not belong to