THE PERIODIC TABLE

Grade 10 [ICSE]
USES OF PERIODIC TABLE
1. Periodic table has been useful in predicting the
existence of new elements.
2. It has been useful in the past in correcting the
properties of elements.
3. Study of elements and their compounds has
become systemic and easier to remember.
4. Position of an element in the periodic table
reveals its:

(i) atomic number

(ii) electronic configuration
(iii) number of valence electrons
(iv) properties
5. Nature of chemical bond, formula of compound
formed and properties of that compound can all be
predicted from the periodic table.
For example:
Elements present in groups 1, 2 and 3 (metals)
lose electrons to form positive ions, while
elements of groups 15, 16 and 17 (non- metals)
gain electrons to form negative ions. When these
positive and negative ions combine, they form a
compound, that is electrovalent in nature.
If elements of groups 14, 15, 16 and 17 combine
with those of 15, 16 and 17, i.e. non-metals with
non-metals, they form covalent compounds.
6. Position of an element in the periodic table
reveals
(i) Valency of an element.
(ii) whether the element is a metal or a non-metal

metals occupy the extreme left positions at the

bottom of the periodic table while non-metals are
at the extreme right of the periodic table.