Classification Physical Properties
of Elements
Alkali Metals -Soft, low densities, with low melting and boiling
points.
-Low ionization energies
-Weak metallic bonding
-Form colored flames when burning in oxygen
Alkaline Earth -Gray white luster when freshly cut, but tarnish
readily in air
-Harder and denser, have higher melting points
-Highly metallic, good conductors of electricity
Transition -Hard, tough and strong because of the strong
Metals metallic atom bonding
-Good conductors of heat and electricity
-Easily hammered and bent into shape
Basic Metals -Have a shiny appearance and metallic luster
-Good electrical and heat conductors
-Malleable
-Ductile
-High melting points
Metalloids/Semi- -Solid at room temperature.
metals -They are lustrous and usually brittle in nature
-Semi conductors: Fair conductors of heat and
electricity, but not as good as metals.
-The density of metalloids is lower than that of
poor metals, but higher than that of non-metals.
-Exhibit electrical conductivity even in the liquid
form.
Non-Metals -Poor conductors of heat and electricity.
-Non ductile.
-Do not possess metallic luster.
-Transparent as a thin sheet.
Halogens -Have low melting points and boiling points.
-Room temperature is usually about 20C.
-The halogens become darker as you go down
the group.
Noble Gases -All these gases are monatomic.
-Noble gases are colorless, odorless, tasteless,
and nonflammable gases under standard
conditions.
Chemical Properties
-Strong reducing agent because they easily
oxidize
-Highly reactive
-Highly electropositive
-Strong reducing agents
-Two electrons in the outer shell
-Low electron affinities
-Low electro negativities
-Less reactive than Alkali
-Strong tendency to form complexes
-Low ionization energies
-Positive oxidation states
-Good reducing agents
-Most metals corrode when they are exposed
to atmosphere.
-Metals when burned in the presence of
oxygen combine with oxygen to form metallic
oxides which are basic in nature
-They form acidic oxides
- Metalloids form anions in water.
-Can form ionic as well as covalent bonds.
-Metalloids form covalent hydrides that are
volatile.
-Usually have 4-8 electrons in their outer
shell.
-Gain or share valence electrons easily.
-Form oxides that are acidic.
-Are good oxidizing agents.
-Have higher electro negativity
-High electro negativity
- Seven valence electrons
- Highly reactive, especially with alkali metals
and alkaline earths
-Fairly nonreactive
-Complete valence shell
-High ionization energies
-Very low electro negativity
Practical applications
-Sodium vapor lamps, atomic clocks, table
salt,
-Lithium: lubricants, batteries,
-Potassium: fertilizer, detergent
-Magnesium: Epsom salt
-Beryllium: x-ray equipment
-Strontium oxides-: Used to coat the
filaments of vacuum tubes
-Electrical wiring, cooking pans
-Tungsten: filament in light bulbs
-They are used In jewelry and decorations
-Used as thin aluminum foils which are
widely used for safe wrapping of medicines,
chocolates and food material.
-Cooking utensils and water boilers are also
made of iron, copper and aluminum.
-Graphite: Excellent dry lubricant, pencils
-Silicon: Rubbery cookware
-Chlorine: Purifying water, Phosphorous:
crackers, Nitrogen and Potassium: fertilizers,
Carbon: fuel, Bromine: dyes and pesticides
-Halogen lamp, Tincture of Iodine for
antiseptic, Fluorides in toothpaste,
Chlorinated sugar as Splenda, bromides as
sedatives
-Helium: Balloons, airships
-Neons: advertising signs
-Argon: light bulbs