********* the columns of the periodic table are called periods!!! what is the common name for period 1a? the alkali metals __________ most important: 1a has 1 valence electron ____________ alkali metals do NOT include hydrogen METALLOIDS have traits of both metals and nonmetal semimetals = metalloids ************ 1a alkali metals 1. they are solid, soft, and silver-gray color like soft putty ************* sodium and potassium.. 1. they don't have typical abbrev.. because sodium and potassium, as iron, have latin abbrevs instead of english. ************ sodium and potassium are important for living systems they are electrolytes they are important in the blood and contraction of muscle cells chlorine, sodium and potassium are electrolytes homeostasis means staying within normal limits, within a normal range 7.4 = normal blood Ph sodium and potassium must stay in homeostasis electrolytes affect contraction of heart muscle -- next group - 2...