All of the alkali metals, group 1, have one valence electron. which of these would represent the oxidation number of the alkali metals such as lithium and sodium? a) -7 b) -1 c) +1 d) +7

The elements found in the Group 1, or the Alkali Metal Group, have electronic configurations that end in .This means that they have 1 electron readily available to release in order to achieve a stable state. 

When these atoms release the valence electron, they will achieve a stable state. For example, Lithium's stable state will be  and Sodium will be . 

The oxidation state will then be +1. 

The answer is C.