Alkali metals of the Periodic Table

The alkali metals are the group 1 elements (excluding hydrogen): soft, shiny and highly reactive metals that react violently with water and are never found free in nature. There are 6 elements of this category in the periodic table, from Lithium (Li), atomic number 3, to Francium (Fr), atomic number 87.

Alkali metals at a glance

Number of elements: 6
Phase under standard conditions: Solid 6 elements

Element list

Atomic no.	Symbol	Name	Atomic mass	Phase	Short configuration
3	Li	Lithium	6.94	Solid	[He] 2s¹
11	Na	Sodium	22.99	Solid	[Ne] 3s¹
19	K	Potassium	39.098	Solid	[Ar] 4s¹
37	Rb	Rubidium	85.468	Solid	[Kr] 5s¹
55	Cs	Cesium	132.91	Solid	[Xe] 6s¹
87	Fr	Francium	223	Solid	[Rn] 7s¹

Frequently asked questions

Which elements are the alkali metals?

The alkali metals are Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium, Cesium and Francium.

How many elements are in the alkali metals category?

The periodic table has 6 elements in the alkali metals category.