Alkali metals are a group of highly reactive elements found on the left side of the periodic table. They include lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium. These elements are known for their ability to form strong alkaline solutions when combined with water, which is why they got their name. Alkali metals are known for their low melting points, high reactivity with other elements, and their ability to conduct electricity. Synonyms for the term "alkali metals" include Group 1 elements, Group IA elements, or simply the alkalis. Because of their unique properties, alkali metals play an important role in numerous applications including batteries, medicine, and industry.