Periodic table

1. The periodic table is the chemist way of classifying the

elements.
2. The groups (Column, vertical) (Total 8 groups)
a) The element in a group have similar properties.
b) They have similar properties because their atoms have
the same number of outer shell electrons (valency
electrons).
Group I II III IV V VI VII VIII
Valency 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Electron
c) So, the group number is the same as the number of outer
shell electrons.
(Except for Helium, which is in group VIII, but has a stable
arrangement of 2 outer shell electrons)
3. The periods (Rows, horizontal) (Total 7 periods)
a) As you go along a period from left to right, the proton
numbers of the elements increases by 1 each time.
b) The elements in a period DO NOT have similar properties.
In fact, there is a trend (gradual change) from metal to
non-metal properties along the period, left to right.
c) The properties change because the number of outer shell
electrons increases.

Group I: The Alkali Metals

Name Symbol Electron arrangement /
Configuration
Lithium Li 2.1
Sodium Na 2.8.1
Potassium K 2.8.8.1
Rubidium Rb 2.8.18.8.1
Caesium Cs 2.8.18.18.8.1
Francium Fr 2.8.18.32.18.8.1
2. Physical properties
a) alkali metals
b) soft metals (Eg: can cut with a knife)
c) low density (Eg: Li, Na and K can float on water)
d) low melting point and boiling point

e)They are good conductor of heat and electricity

f) Atomic radius increases down the group because:

(i) the number of filled electron shell increases.
(ii) the distance between the outermost electron shell and the
Nucleus increases.
(iii) therefore, the atomic radius increases down the group.

Task: Draw the 1st 3 elements in group I, show the atomic

radius.
g) Density increases down the group because of the increasing
relative atomic mass (Ar) of the element.
h) Melting and boiling point decreases down the group
because:
i) Atomic radius increases
ii) The electrostatic bond between proton in the nucleus
and electron becomes weaker
iii) Less energy is required to overcome the weak force of
attraction
iv) Hence, the melting and boiling point decreases down
the group.

3.Chemical Properties

a) The element in Group I have same chemical properties.

Why? Because each has 1 valence electron.
b) Reactivity increases down the group because:
i) Each group I element has 1 valence electron
ii) Reactivity of group I elements depends on the
tendency of the elements to donate their valence
electron.
iii) The atomic radius increases
iv) The forces of attraction between the nucleus and the
valence electron become weaker.
 v) The element loses its valence electron more easily
and form single positive ion.
vi) Hence, the reactivity increases down the group.
c) Reaction:
i) *Group I element + cold water ------ alkali +
hydrogen gas
2Na + 2H2O ------- 2NaOH + H2
ii) *Group I element + oxygen gas --- metal oxide
4Na + O2 ---- 2Na2O
iii) Group I element + halogen (Group VII) ---- metal
halide
2Na + Cl2 ------ 2NaCl

Trends in their reactivity: what you see when a small piece of

metal is put into water:
1. Lithium: a lot of fizz around the floating metal
2. Sodium: it shoots around on the surface of the water
3. Potassium: it melts and the hydrogen burst into flames
4. Rubidium: sparks fly everywhere
5. Caesium: a violent explosion
Task:
1. Which alkali metal has the highest boiling point?
2. Which is softer, sodium or potassium?
3. Describe the trend in reactivity as you go up the alkali metal group.
4. Francium is a very rare and unstable element, its properties have not been
established by experiment.
a) What physical properties would you predict for Francium?
b) Which other alkali metal would Francium be most like in its reactivity?