Explain why some elements can be classified as alkali metals (group 1), halogens (group 7) or noble gases (group 0), based on their position in the periodic table

Recall that alkali metals:

a) are soft
b) have relatively low melting points

Describe the reactions of lithium, sodium and potassium with water

Describe the pattern in reactivity of the alkali metals, lithium, sodium and potassium, with water; and use this pattern to predict the reactivity of other alkali metals

Explain this pattern in reactivity in terms of electronic configurations