Sign in
Please select an account to continue using cracku.in
↓ →
Join Our JEE Preparation Group
Prep with like-minded aspirants; Get access to free daily tests and study material.
The density of alkali metals is in the order
1. Periodic Trends
Density depends on both atomic mass and atomic volume according to the relation:
$$Density=Mass/Volume$$
As we move down the alkali metal group (Group 1):
2. The Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) Anomaly
There is a well-known exception between Potassium (K) and Sodium (Na). When moving from Na to K, there is a large, sudden increase in atomic volume due to the filling of empty 3d orbitals in the shell layer.
As a result, the volume increase outpaces the mass increase, making Potassium less dense than Sodium.
3. Actual Density Values (g/cm³)
| Alkali Metal | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|
| Lithium (Li) | 0.53 |
| Potassium (K) | 0.86 |
| Sodium (Na) | 0.97 |
| Rubidium (Rb) | 1.53 |
| Cesium (Cs) | 1.93 |
4. Correct Order
Arranging them from lowest to highest density based on empirical values:
Was this solution helpful?
Click on the Email ☝️ to Watch the Video Solution
Create a FREE account and get:
Educational materials for JEE preparation