With reference to group 1 [IA] of the periodic table - fill in the blanks with the correct word:
The elements are _____ [light/heavy]. __________[metals/non-metals] since their atomic size is _______ [large/small]. The energy binding the atoms is ______ [high/low] and hence the elements have [high/low] melting points. The melting points of the elements ______ [increases/decreases] down the subgroup. The electropositive character._______ [increases/decreases] down the subgroup and the elements are strong _______ [reducing/oxidizing] agents. The element with electronic configuration 2,8,1 will have _______ [higher/lower] electronaffinity and _______ [smaller/larger] atomic size than the element with electronic configuration 2,1.