are alkali metals
or alkaline earth metals
soft silver - white, shiny metals
alkali metals are soft and shiny, and white.
Yes, both alkali metals and alkaline earth metals are soft, silver-white, and shiny metals. However, there are some differences between them.
Alkali metals, such as lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr), belong to Group 1 of the periodic table. They have a single valence electron and are extremely reactive. Alkali metals are known for their softness and low density, which allows them to be easily cut with a knife. They also have low melting and boiling points. When exposed to air or water, alkali metals quickly react, becoming oxidized or producing hydrogen gas.
Alkaline earth metals, such as beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), and radium (Ra), belong to Group 2 of the periodic table. Alkaline earth metals have two valence electrons, making them less reactive than alkali metals. They are also soft and silvery-white in appearance, but they are not as soft as alkali metals. Alkaline earth metals have higher melting and boiling points compared to alkali metals, and their reactivity increases as you move down the group.
In order to identify and classify metals, it is important to refer to the periodic table. The periodic table organizes elements based on their atomic number, properties, and structure. By observing the periodic table, you can easily identify alkali metals and alkaline earth metals based on their group number and position.