Question

Why are the elements of group IA called alkali metals?

Answer 1

I think this refers to an Arabic root word.........

Explanation:

....`"al-quily"` meaning the `"ashes, potash"`.

And of course we commonly find the hydroxides of the alkali metals from extracting the ashes of a fire with water - hence `"potash"`, i.e. `"potasshium"`........