The Periodic Table

Question 1

How is the periodic table laid out?

Answer 1

The periodic table is laid out so that elements with similar properties form columns

Question 2

What do all elements in a group have the same number of?

Answer 2

Electrons in their outer shell

Question 3

What are the elements in the final column (group 0)?

Answer 3

Noble gases

Question 4

How many electrons do noble gases have in their outer shell?

Answer 4

8 electrons, apart from helium (which has 2). This means that they’re stable and unreactive.

Question 5

How do you find the number of neutrons in an atom?

Answer 5

Subtract the atomic number from the mass number

Question 6

What is the bottom number on an element called?

Answer 6

Atomic number. This is the number of protons which conveniently also tells you the number of electrons.

Question 7

What is the top number on an element called?

Answer 7

Mass number. This is the total number of protons and neutrons.

Question 8

How are atoms of each element represented?

Answer 8

By a one or two letter symbol

Question 9

Why will you never find a compound in the periodic table?

Answer 9

They consist of two or more different elements joined together by chemical bonds

Question 10

How many groups are there in the periodic table?

Answer 10

8 main groups. Group 1 contains very reactive metals whereas group 7 contains very reactive non-metals.