* 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.