All the different elements are arranged in the periodic table.
The vertical columns (going down) are called groups
The horizontal rows are called periods.
Elements are listed in order of their increasing atomic number (by 1). The atomic number is the
number of protons in the
nucleus of an atom. Across period, the atomic number increases by one and elements in the same
period have the same
number of shells. Across a period, the elements change from metals to non- metals.
Elements in the same group are similar and have the same number of electrons in their outermost
shell and so, have the
same chemical properties. Example, all elements in group 0 are very unreactive gases, while all the
elements in group 1 are
very reactive metals.
Metals are on the left and the non-metals are on the right.
The main groups are numbered from 1 to 7 going from left to right, and the last group on the right is
Group 0
The block in between Group 2 and Group 3 is where the transition metals are placed
There are only two elements in Period 1 (hydrogen and helium)
The zig-zag line in this diagram separates the metals, on the left, from the non-metals, on the right.
Hydrogen is a
non-metal but it is often put in the middle..
metals have 1-3 electrons on their outer shell but non-metals have 4-7 electrons on their outer shell.
Noble gases are chemically unreactive, stable or inert. This is because they have a complete outer
shell, e.g., helium, neon
and they are monoatomic, while other gases are diatomic (e.g. H2).
Group 2 are the alkaline earth metals (e.g. Mg), while group seven (e.g. Cl) are the halogens.
Electron shells
Electrons are arranged around the nucleus in shells..
Reactivity of alkali metals
To be able to : Explain that the groups within the periodic table have trends in physical and chemical
properties, using group 1 as an example.
Explain how Group 1 metals get more reactive down the group in terms of electrons.
Compare the reactivity of francium to caesium. Justify your answer using your knowledge of
francium’s electron arrangement.
Compare the chemical reactivity of chlorine and bromine.
Keywords: periodic table, alkali metals, alkali, hydrogen gas, exothermic
Reaction.
The elements in group 1, on the left side of the periodic table, are called the alkali metals.
These metals are all very reactive and are rarely found in nature in their elemental form.
Physical Properties of Group 1 Metals
Are solids.
Soft and can be easily cut with a knife
Shiny surface which dulls/tarnishes quickly on reacting with oxygen in the air and so, are stored in oil
to prevent them from reacting with oxygen and tarnishing.
Reacts with water to produce alkali and hydrogen gas.
Good conductors of heat and electricity.
The reactivity increases going down the group..
Low melting point and boiling points down the group.
Low densities :low enough for the first three (lithium, sodium and potassium) to float on water.
Health and safety note: group 1 metals are flammable and should be kept (stored under oil) in
their bottles until needed and small samples must be used.
Why do you think they get more reactive as they go down the group?
As you go down Group 1 the atoms become larger and the outer electron is far away from the
nucleus.
The force of attraction between the positively-charged nucleus and the negatively-charged outermost
electron becomes weaker, which is why the outer electron is more easily lost and the atom is more
reactive.