Unit 1 - Periodicity: The Periodic Table

Question 1

The Periodic Table

Answer 1

Elements are arranged in the Periodic Table in order of increasing atomic number. Similarities in physical and chemical properties are repeated at regular (periodic) intervals. The periodic table allows chemists to make accurate predictions of physical and chemical properties for any element e.g reactivity and type of bonding.

Question 2

The Periodic Table
Groups

Answer 2

The elements in a vertical column of the table form a family or group. Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties because their atoms have the same number of electrons in the outer shell (energy level).

Moving down a group, the number of electron shells increases.

Question 3

The Periodic Table
Group 1

Answer 3

Group 1 elements (alkali metals) react vigorously with water to produce hydrogen and an alkaline solution.

Question 4

The Periodic Table
Group 7

Answer 4

Group 7 elements (halogens) are very reactive non-metals which react with metals to form salts.

Question 5

The Periodic Table
Group 8/0

Answer 5

Group 0 elements (noble gases) are very unreactive and only rarely form compounds.

Question 6

The Periodic Table
Periods

Answer 6

The horizontal rows across the table are called periods. Moving across a period, the atomic number increases and the number of outer electrons increases as the outer electron shell is filled. The elements show a move from metallic to non-metallic characteristics across a period.