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  • Similar Electron Configurations of Alkali Metals (H, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs)
    The elements H, Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs are all in Group 1 of the periodic table, also known as the alkali metals. Their electron configurations are similar in the following ways:

    * Outermost electron configuration: All of these elements have a single electron in their outermost shell (valence shell). This electron occupies an *s* orbital.

    * Similar valence electron configuration: Their valence electron configuration is *ns*1, where *n* is the principal quantum number of the outermost shell. For example, hydrogen is 1s1, lithium is 2s1, sodium is 3s1, and so on.

    * High reactivity: Due to their single valence electron, these elements are highly reactive. They readily lose this electron to form a +1 ion, which is why they are always found in compounds in nature.

    Here's a table summarizing their electron configurations:

    | Element | Electron Configuration |

    |---|---|

    | H | 1s1 |

    | Li | 1s2 2s1 |

    | Na | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1 |

    | K | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s1 |

    | Rb | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s1 |

    | Cs | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s1 |

    Key takeaway: The similarity in their electron configurations explains the similar chemical properties of these elements.

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