groups

 The columns of the periodic table are called groups. Members of the same group in the table have the same number of electrons in the outermost shells of their atoms
and form bonds of the same type. The horizontal rows are called periods.
 The elements of a group show similar chemical properties but there is a gradual variation in the physical properties of the elements in a group.Atomic Size: From top
to bottom in a group, the size of atom increases as a new shell to the atom.Valence Electrons(V.E) : Number of valence electrons in a group are sameValency: All
elements in a group generally have the same valency

 Characteristics of Periods:
 Each period starts with group IA(1) and ends in group VIIIA(0 or 18)
 1. Atomic size:
 The atomic size decreases from left to right in a period.

 Along a period, with increase in atomic number, the number of protons and electrons increases.

 So, there is increased force of attraction towards the nucleus. Hence, the atomic size shrinks and decreases.

 2.Valence Electrons:

 The number of V.Es increases from 1 to 8 along the period.

 In 1st period, the increase is from 1 to 2 only.

 Characteristics of Periods:
 Each period starts with group IA(1) and ends in group VIIIA(0 or 18)
 1. Atomic size:
 The atomic size decreases from left to right in a period.

 Along a period, with increase in atomic number, the number of protons and electrons increases.

 So, there is increased force of attraction towards the nucleus. Hence, the atomic size shrinks and decreases.

 2.Valence Electrons:

 The number of V.Es increases from 1 to 8 along the period.

 In 1st period, the increase is from 1 to 2 only.

 Along a period from left to right, valency first increases from 1 upto 4 and then decreases upto zero.

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 2nd PeriodLiBeBCNOFNeValency12343210
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 4. Electropositivity & reactivity of Metals:

 From left to right in a period, the atomic size decreases due to the increase in nuclear force of attraction.

 So, it is difficult to lose V.Es .Hence, electropositivity & reactivity of Metals decreases along the period.

 5. Electronegativity & reactivity of non-metals:

 From left to right in a period, the atomic size decreases due to the increase in nuclear force of attraction.
 The elements of a group show similar chemical properties but there is a gradual
variation in the physical properties of the elements in a group.Atomic Size: From
top to bottom in a group, the size of atom increases as a new shell to the
atom.Valence Electrons(V.E) : Number of valence electrons in a group are
sameValency: All elements in a group generally have the same valency
Alkali metals
 The alkali metals make up Group 1 of the periodic table. This family consists of the elements
lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and Fr,
respectively). Group one elements share common characteristics. They are all soft, silver
metals. Due to their low ionization energy, these metals have low melting points and are
highly reactive. The reactivity of this family increases as you move down the table. Alkali
metals are noted for how vigorously they react with water. The alkali metals also have
low densities. They are low enough for the first three (lithium, sodium and potassium) to
float on water. All of the elements in group 1A have one valence electron, so that should be
easy to remember! Having one valence electron makes alkali metals extremely reactive,
meaning they desperately want to bond (or attach) to other elements. As you go down the
group, the alkali metals become more reactive, meaning potassium is much more reactive
than sodium. When exposed to water, the alkali metals actually cause an explosion! In
addition to causing an explosion, these elements form an alkaline substance when they react
with water, hence the name alkali metal. Alkaline substances are also called bases and are
substances who have a pH greater than seven.
 Having just one valence electron makes alkali metals unstable, so when they come
into contact with an element that needs some electrons, it gives up its one electron
and becomes a cation, or a positively charged atom. Electrons are negatively
charged, so if an element gives up an electron, it becomes positively charged. So,
since alkali metals lose one electron, they have a +1 charge. Since they give up an
electron, they tend to form ionic bonds, or bonds that are formed when one atom
gives its electrons to another atom.