Alkali metals are a group of chemical elements that belong to Group 1 of the periodic table. These elements have one electron in their outermost shell, making them highly reactive and eager to lose this single electron to achieve a stable electronic configuration. Alkali metals include lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs) and francium (Fr). They are characterized by their low melting points, high reactivity with water and other substances, and the ability to displace other metals in a process called displacement reactions.