The alkali metals have one valence electron and are the most electropositive metals. They have large atomic and ionic radii that increase down the group, and their hydration enthalpies decrease with increasing size. Alkali metals are soft, silvery-white metals with low melting and boiling points that are highly reactive due to their large size and low ionization enthalpy, with reactivity increasing down the group. They react with air, water, dihydrogen, and halogens. Uses include lithium in batteries, aluminum in aircraft, and potassium chloride as fertilizer.