Cambridge IGCSE Combined and Co-ordinated Sciences Revision checklists

Chapter C3  Elements and compounds

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The Periodic Table lists the elements of the Universe in
order of increasing atomic number. It has a structure
that provides useful information, and the elements are
grouped so that certain patterns of properties repeat
themselves. The Periodic Table is divided into vertical
groups and horizontal periods.
The elements are broadly divided into metals and
non-metals. The metals have certain characteristic
properties, the most important being that they
conduct electricity and are malleable and ductile.
There is a trend from metallic to non-metallic
properties as you go across the Periodic Table.
There is a close relationship between the electron
arrangement of an element and its position in the
Periodic Table.
Certain groups of elements have specific names and
show ‘family’ properties. The elements in Group I are
the alkali metals, for example.
The halogens are a group of reactive non-metals
– Group VII in the Periodic Table – which all exist as
diatomic molecules (Cl2, for example). Their physical
properties change as you go down the group – their
melting points and boiling points increase and the
intensity of their colour deepens. Their chemical
reactivity of the halogens decreases down the group
– the more reactive halogens will displace the lower
halogens from salts.
The structures of all substances are made up of atoms,
ions or molecules. There are three main types of
chemical bonding that hold these structures together
– metallic, ionic and covalent bonding. The physical
properties of a substance are related to the type of
bonding present.
Covalent bonding occurs in some elements and
compounds between non-metals. It involves the
‘sharing’ of electrons between atoms to form stable
molecules. Two types of covalent structure can
be formed: simple molecules and giant molecular
(macromolecular) lattices.
Compounds of a metal plus a non-metal involve ionic
bonding in which positive and negative ions are held
together by strong electrostatic forces.
Each chemical compound has a particular name and
can also be represented by a chemical formula that
summarises the atoms or ions present.

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Cambridge IGCSE Combined and Co-ordinated Sciences Revision checklists

Chapter C3  Elements and compounds (continued)

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There is a link between the physical properties of a
solid substance and the microscopic structure of its
atoms, ions or molecules.
The characteristic properties of metals can be adapted
to suit a specific purpose by alloying. Alloys can be
designed, for example, for strength (steel), resistance
to corrosion (stainless steel) or low melting point.
Giant molecular lattices linked by covalent bonds
can be formed by some elements; carbon (diamond
and graphite) and silicon, for example. Diamond
and graphite are two different forms of carbon, with
different structures and distinctly different physical
properties.
Metallic bonding involves the closely packed atoms
losing their outer-shell electrons into a mobile sea
of ‘free electrons’. Understanding the closely packed
structure of metals can explain the characteristic
properties of metals and how one metal can
strengthen another when the two form an alloy.
Ionic compounds are solid at room temperature and
form crystals where the positive and negative ions
are next to each other in a framework (lattice). Ionic
substances are often soluble in water because water
molecules can break down the structure of the ionic
crystal.
Some elements and compounds form giant
molecular lattices linked by covalent bonds.
Other covalent substances are simple molecular
substances; these include elements such as oxygen
and chlorine, and compounds such as water.

21 © Cambridge University Press 2017