Elements that have most similar properties were placed in the same group on the periodic table and this is done based on the number of valence electron each of the element posses which allow them reach in a similar manner as a member of the same family. A group of element is placed on a a vertical column of the periodic table.
For all element with one valence electron they are labelled with 1A on the group, and are usually the first column followed by 2A until group 8.
1A element are known to be very reactive and form compounds with similar properties with other elements.
The answer is to increase the surface area of the solute. You see it dissolves faster because there is a lot more water touching it when it is has a higher surface area.This can be achieved by crushing
