C2 Topic 4 - Groups In The Periodic Table

Question 1

What are the alkali metals and state some of their common properties.

Answer 1

Lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, francium

All in group 1 of the periodic table
Soft
Low melting points
React vigorously in water, the reaction becomes more violent the further down the alkali metal
Reaction between alkali metal and water produces metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas

Question 2

What are the halogens and state some of their common properties.

Answer 2

Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, astatine

React with metals to form metal halides
React with water to form hydrogen halides
Halogens higher up are more reactive and will displace others below it

Question 3

What are the noble gases and state some of their common properties.

Answer 3

Helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, radon

All inert and colourless gases
Have full outer shells
Non-flammable
Density and boiling point increase as you move down the noble gases

Question 4

How are the atoms in a metal arranged and how does this give it its properties?

Answer 4

Atoms in a metal are arranged in an ordered structure of metallic bonds surrounded by a sea of delocalised electrons. This is because this type of bonding lets the outer shells of the metal atoms to move around freely.

The delocalised electrons mean that charge can be carried through the material, which is why metals we good conductors of electricity. The strong bonds between the atoms mean that metals have very high melting and boiling points and are also insoluble. Finally, the their layered structure means that they can slide over each other, making metals malleable.