The Periodic Table

Section 3

How Are Elements
Classified?
3 Main Categories:
All elements are either metals, nonmetals, or
semiconductors.
The Periodic Table

Section 3

How Are Elements
Classified?
Elements in each category have similar
properties.
The Periodic Table

Section 3

How Are Elements
Classified?, continued
The Periodic Table

Section 3

Classifying Elements Further
What does each element family have in
common?
The same number of valence electrons!
The Periodic Table

Section 3

Metals
What are the families of metals?
Families of metals:
alkali metal: elements in group 1
alkaline-earth metals: elements in group 2
transition metal: one of the metals that can use the inner
shell before using the outer shell to bond
The Periodic Table

Section 3

Metals, continued
The alkali metals are very reactive.
Group 1
Reactive (they have one
valence electron that is
easily removed)
Soft and shiny, have
similar melting points,
boiling points, and
densities.
The Periodic Table

Section 3

Metals, continued
Alkaline-earth metals form compounds that are
found in limestone and in the human body.
Group 2.
Less reactive than alkali
metals, but still react to
form positive ions.
Harder, denser, stronger,
and have higher melting
points than alkali metals.
The Periodic Table

Section 3

Metals, continued
Transition metals are in the middle of the
periodic table.
With the exception of mercury, transition metals are
harder, more dense,
and have higher
melting points than
alkali metals and
alkaline-earth metals.
Less reactive, but
they can form
positive ions.
The Periodic Table

Section 3

Nonmetals
What are some of the families of nonmetals?
noble gas: group 18
halogen: group 17
The Periodic Table

Section 3

Nonmetals, continued
The noble gases are relatively inert.
Group 18
Exist as single atoms
instead of as
molecules
They are inert, or
unreactive, because
their s and p orbitals
are filled. In general,
they do not form ions
or compounds.
The Periodic Table

Section 3

Nonmetals, continued
The halogens combine easily with metals to form
salts.
Group 17.
With the addition of a
single electron,
halogens become
stable.
Combine easily with
metals (especially
alkali metals) to form
salts.
The Periodic Table

Section 3

Nonmetals, continued
Nonmetals and their compounds are plentiful on
Earth.
Six other nonmetals
are on the right side of
the periodic table.
Carbon can form many
compounds.
There are millions of
carbon-containing
compounds.
The Periodic Table

Section 3

Semiconductors
How do semiconductors
behave?
Conduct heat and electricity
under certain conditions