Question

What ion do alkalis form when added to water?

Answer 1

They form alkali metal cations and hydroxide ions.

Explanation:

And we represent this by the given reaction:

`M(s) + H_2O(l) rarr M^(+)(aq) + HO^(-)(aq) + 1/2H_2(g)`

`M=Li, Na, K, etc.`

The alkali metals become increasingly more reactive as we descend the Group.