Question:medium

Which of the following metals possesses the highest melting point?

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Melting points generally decrease down a group for alkali metals, because there is greater electron shielding, and weaker metallic bonding. There are no strong or weak covalent bonds between metals, instead, the metal atoms share a “sea of electrons”, so metals with strong metallic bonds have high melting points.
Updated On: Jan 17, 2026
  • Sodium (Na)
  • Lithium (Li)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Cesium (Cs)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Lithium possesses the highest melting point among alkali metals, a characteristic attributed to its small atomic size and strong metallic bonding. For Group 1 elements, the melting point decreases as atomic size increases, leading to weaker metallic bonds. The resulting order of melting points is:
• Lithium (Li): Highest melting point
• Sodium (Na)
• Potassium (K)
• Cesium (Cs): Lowest melting point
This observed trend illustrates the connection between atomic size and bond strength in metallic structures.

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