Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Chemistry

The Periodic Table

Chapter No. 1, Page No. 30

1. What are the vertical columns in the periodic table called?

Ans. The vertical columns in the periodic table are called Groups. The first
seven groups are numbered from 1-7.

2. What are the horizontal rows in the periodic table called?

Ans. The horizontal rows in the periodic table are known as periods. Hydrogen
and Helium make up period 1.

3. What are energy levels?

Ans. The electrons move around the nucleus in a series of levels. These levels
are called energy levels or shells.

4. What is the electronic configuration?

Ans. The arrangement of the electrons in the atom of a particle is known as
the electronic configuration.

5. List two important facts about electronic configurations.

Ans. 1. The number of electrons in the outer shell is the same as the group
number for Groups 1 to 7.
2. The period number gives the number of occupied shells or the highest
occupied shell.

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6. Why are the group 0 elements known as noble gases?
Ans. The group 0 elements are known as the noble gases because they are
almost completely unreactive, in fact two at the top of the group, helium and
neon don’t react with anything.

7. What are some differences between metals and non-metals?

Ans. 1. Metals conduct electricity and non-metals do not generally conduct
electricity.
2. Metals generally form basic oxides.
3. Non-metals generally form acidic oxides.

8. Draw diagrams to show the arrangement of the electrons in Sodium,

silicon, and sulfur.

9. State the electronic configurations of the following atoms: fluorine,

aluminum, calcium.

10. Find each of the following elements in the Periodic Table and state
the number of electrons in its outer shell.

11. Helium and neon do not form any compounds. Explain why the
noble gases are unreactive.

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