Alkali Metals (Group 1)
Alkali metals are the show-offs of the periodic table - they react dramatically with water! Lithium fizzes gently, sodium melts into a ball with an orange flame, and potassium puts on the biggest display with a lilac flame.
These metals become more reactive as you move down the group. All alkali metals have one electron in their outer shell, which explains why they're so eager to react.
The pattern is clear: lithium (2,1), sodium (2,8,1), and potassium (2,8,8,1) all share that single outer electron. This makes them incredibly useful for predicting chemical behaviour.
Remember: Group 1 = 1 outer electron = very reactive metals that love water!