The s-Block Elements

Question

Explain why alkali metals are electrically conducting and form soluble salts ?

Answer

Alkali metals have metallic bonds in which the positive ions are held together by electrons. The valence electrons move freely from one metal ion to another without much difficulty and thus have high electrical conductivity. Solubility depends on lattice enthalpy and hydration enthalpy. Since the alkali metal ions have low lattice enthalpy and high hydration energy so they form soluble salts.

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