Unit # 8
The Periodic Table
CAIE Learning Objectives
8.1 Arrangement of elements
1 Describe the Periodic Table as an arrangement of elements in periods and groups and in order of
increasing proton number / atomic number
2 Describe the change from metallic to non-metallic character across a period
3 Describe the relationship between group number and the charge of the ions formed from elements in
that group
4 Explain similarities in the chemical properties of elements in the same group of the Periodic Table in
terms of their electronic configuration
5 Explain how the position of an element in the Periodic Table can be used to predict its properties
6 Identify trends in groups, given information about the elements
8.2 Group I properties
1 Describe the Group I alkali metals, lithium, sodium and potassium, as relatively soft metals with general
trends down the group, limited to:
(a) decreasing melting point
(b) increasing density
(c) increasing reactivity
2 Predict the properties of other elements in Group I, given information about the elements
8.3 Group VII properties
1 Describe the Group VII halogens, chlorine, bromine and iodine, as diatomic non-metals with general
trends down the group, limited to:
(a) increasing density
(b) decreasing reactivity
2 State the appearance of the halogens at r.t.p. as:
(a) chlorine, a pale yellow-green gas
(b) bromine, a red-brown liquid
(c) iodine, a grey-black solid
3 Describe and explain the displacement reactions of halogens with other halide ions
4 Predict the properties of other elements in Group VII, given information about the elements
8.4 Transition elements
1 Describe the transition elements as metals that:
(a) have high densities
(b) have high melting points
(c) have variable oxidation numbers
(d) form coloured compounds
often act as catalysts as elements and in compounds
8.5 Noble gases
1 Describe the Group VIII noble gases as unreactive, monatomic gases and explain this in terms of
electronic configuration
Lesson Notes
8.1 Arrangement of Elements
1. Structure of the Periodic Table ⭐
The Periodic Table is an arrangement of elements in:
o Periods → horizontal rows
o Groups → vertical columns
Elements are arranged in order of increasing proton number (atomic number).
2. Metallic to Non-metallic Character (Across a Period)
Across a period from left to right:
o Metallic character decreases
o Non-metallic character increases
Elements change from metals → metalloids → non-metals.
3. Group Number and Ionic Charge
Group number shows the number of outer shell electrons.
Charge of ions formed:
o Group I → +1
o Group II → +2
o Group III → +3
o Group V → –3
o Group VI → –2
o Group VII → –1
o Group VIII (0) → do not form ions
4. Similar Chemical Properties in a Group
Elements in the same group have:
The same number of outer shell electrons
Therefore they have similar chemical properties
✔ This is due to similar electronic configuration
5. Using Position to Predict Properties
The position of an element tells us:
If it is a metal or non-metal
Its reactivity
The charge of ions it forms
The type of reactions it will undergo
6. Trends in Groups
Down a group:
Number of shells increases
Atomic size increases
Reactivity may increase or decrease depending on the group
8.2 Group I – Alkali Metals
Members
Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K)
1. General Properties
Group I metals are:
Soft metals
Low density
Very reactive
2. Trends Down Group I
Down the group:
Melting point decreases
Density increases
Reactivity increases
✔ Reactivity increases because the outer electron is lost more easily
3. Predicting Properties
Elements lower down Group I will:
o Be softer
o React more violently with water
o Have lower melting points
8.3 Group VII – Halogens
Members
Chlorine (Cl₂), Bromine (Br₂), Iodine (I₂)
1. General Properties
Group VII elements are:
o Diatomic (exist as X₂)
o Non-metals
2. Trends Down Group VII ⭐
Down the group:
Density increases
Reactivity decreases
3. Appearance at Room Temperature (r.t.p.)
Chlorine → pale yellow-green gas
Bromine → red-brown liquid
Iodine → grey-black solid
4. Displacement Reactions
A more reactive halogen displaces a less reactive halide from solution.
Example:
Chlorine + potassium bromide → chlorine displaces bromine
✔ Reactivity order:
Cl₂ > Br₂ > I₂
5. Predicting Group VII Properties
Halogens higher up:
o Are more reactive
o Exist as gases or liquids
Halogens lower down:
o Are less reactive
o Have higher melting points
8.4 Transition Elements
Key Characteristics
Transition elements are metals that:
Have high densities
Have high melting points
Show variable oxidation numbers
Form coloured compounds
Often act as catalysts
Examples
Iron in the Haber process
Nickel in hydrogenation
8.5 Noble Gases (Group VIII / 0)
Properties
Noble gases are:
o Unreactive
o Monatomic
o Gases
Explanation (Very Important for Exams)
They have a full outer electron shell
Therefore they are stable and do not gain or lose electrons
Exam Tips
Bromine exist as red brown liquid.
But
Aqueous solution of bromine in substitution reaction, by a more reactive halogen is Orange
Important to remember colors
Bromine Br2 exist as red brown liquid. But Aqueous solution of bromine in substitution reaction ,by a
more reactive halogen is Orange
Aqueous solution of Iodine in substitution reaction, by a more reactive halogen is brown solution.
Br2 (l) =red brown liquid
Br2 (aq) Orange solution
I2 (aq) = Brown solution