The Periodic Table

Features of the Periodic Table

-

Elements arranged in order of their increasing proton (atomic) numbers.

It consists of seven horizontal rows of elements called periods, numbered 1 to 7 from
top to bottom.
There are also eight vertical columns of elements called groups, numbered from I to 0
or VIII.

Periodic Trends
Metallic and non-metallic characteristics
- The zigzag line in the Periodic Table dividers the elements into metals and non-metals.
- Metals are grouped on the left-hand side of each period, non-metals and the right-hand
side.
- Elements located close to the zigzag line (silicon, germanium) are called metalloids. Due
to their positions, they have the properties of both a metal and a non-metal, and are used
in the semiconductor industry which makes silicon chips for computers.
- As a period is crossed from left to right, there is a decrease in metallic properties and an
increase in non-metallic properties of the elements.
- Across each period, oxides of elements change from basic to acidic, elements near the
dividing line form amphoteric oxides.
Group & period numbers and electronic configuration
- The period number indicates the number of electron shells.
- The group number indicates the number of valence electrons. Elements in the same group
have similar chemical properties (since they have similar electronic configurations).
- Given the proton number, an elements position in the Periodic Table and hence its
properties can be deduced.
Trends down a group
-

Proton number and relative atomic mass increases

Atoms become bigger (due to larger number of shells)
Properties of the elements become more metallic (has higher tendency to lose
electrons/lose electrons more readily)

Ion formation and group number

Type
of ion
formed
Charg
e of ion
E.g.

I
positive

II
positive

III
positive

+1

+2

+3

Na+

Mg2+

Al3+

IV
V
form covalent
compounds

CH4

PCl5

VI
negative

VII
negative

-2

-1

O2-

Cl-

0
dont
form
cmpds

Elements in Groups I, II and III

Are metals and lose electrons to form positive ions

The charge of the ion is the same as the group number

Elements in Groups IV and V

Less likely to form ions, they share electrons to form covalent bonds

Have a maximum oxidation state that is same as the group number

Elements in Groups VI and VIII

Non-metals and gain electrons to form negative ions

Elements in Group 0

Have stable electronic configurations

Unreactive and do not form compounds

Group I- Alkali Metals
The alkali metals are Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium, Caesium, Francium.
Physical Properties of Alkali Metals
- Soft, silvery solids
- Low mp and bp
- Low densities (Li, Na and K float on water)
- Compounds of alkali metals are soluble in water
Properties down Group I
-

Densities increase

Mp and bp decrease

Reactivity increase

Reducing power increase

Element
Lithium
Sodium
Potassium
Rubidium

Melting Point (C)

180
98
64
38

Density (g/cm3)
0.53
0.97
0.86
1.53

Chemical Properties of Alkali Metals

-

Highly reactive, stored in oil to prevent them from reacting with air and water

One valence electron

React with cold water to form hydrogen and an alkali (the metal hydroxide)

Powerful reducing agents: they lose their single valence electron readily

Reactivity increases down the group:

Group VII- Halogens

Elements in group VII are called halogens and are non-metals. They are Fluorine,
Chlorine, Bromine, Iodine and Astatine.
Physical Properties of Halogens
- Exist as diatomic covalent molecules: F2, Cl2, Br2, I2.
- Low mp and bp
- Coloured
Properties down Group VII
-

Mp and bp increase, change from gas to solid

Colours of the halogens become darker

Reactivity decreases down the group (Fl most reactive)

Oxidising power decreases

Element
Chlorine
Bromine
Iodine

Mp (C)
-101
-7
114

Bp (C)
-35
59
184

Appearance
Greenish-yellowgas
Reddish-brownliquid
Purplish-blacksolid

Chemical Properties of Halogens

-

Reactive non-metals (7 valence electrons)

React with most metals to form halides. Fl, Cl and Br ions are examples of halide ions.

Powerful oxidising agents: halogen atom gain electrons to form halide ions during
chemical reactions.

Displacement reactions (redox)

A more reactive halogen will displace a less reactive halogen from its halide solution.
[halogen]

[halide]

chlorine + sodium bromide sodium chloride + bromide

E.g.

(colourless)

(colourless)

(colourless)

(reddish-brown)

Chlorine acts as the reducing agent while the bromide ion acts as the reducing agent. Chlorine
oxidises bromide ions to bromine and is itself reduced to chloride ions.

Group 0- Noble Gases

The group 0 elements are called noble gases/ inert gases, and are the least reactive elements.
Properties of Noble Gases
- Unreactive and stable: have noble gas structure hence do not react to form compounds
- Monatomic elements
- Low mp and bp that increase down the group
- Colourless gases at room temperature, insoluble in water

Uses of noble gases

Element
Helium
Neon
Argon

Electronic structure
2
2.8
2.8.8

Use
For filling weather or advertisement balloons and
airships
Used in making lights
Used to fill electric bulbs, to provide an inert
(unreactive) atmosphere to protect the filament from
oxidation in air