reactive metal
Corrodes in air
A reactive metal readily loses electrons and forms compounds with other elements, especially oxygen and water.
Alkali metals like sodium and potassium are highly reactive—sodium fizzes violently in water, potassium bursts into flame.
Reactivity determines how metals are stored, handled, and extracted from ores: Reactive metals must be kept in oil to prevent oxidation.
- lithiumLightest solid element
- cesiumAlkali metal, number fifty-five
- franciumRarest occurring natural element
- magnesiumAlkaline earth metal
- sodiumEleventh element, highly reactive
radium · periodic table · oxidation state · electron shell · calcium · potassium · flame test · rubidium · alkaline earth · strontium · barium · corrosion · electrolysis · sacrificial anode · zinc · iron · nickel · cobalt