Alkaline metals, also known as group 1 metals, are a group of elements that share similar properties including high reactivity, low electronegativity, and the ability to form +1 cations. This group includes lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium. While the term "alkaline metal" is widely used, there are other synonyms that can be used to describe them. These include "group 1 metals", "s-block metals", and "active metals". These terms highlight different aspects of the elements such as their location on the periodic table, their electronic configuration, and their reactivity. Regardless of the synonym used, alkaline or group 1 metals play a vital role in various fields, ranging from medicine to energy production.