2.4.4

The Periodic Table

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The Periodic Table of Elements

The periodic table of elements is a system of arranging the elements. All the elements found in the periodic table are elements that could be found on any planet in the whole universe.

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The Elements

  • There are 118 elements on the periodic table.
  • 90 of these occur naturally.
  • The rest are produced by man.
  • The elements are arranged by their increasing atomic number.
  • Metals can be found on the left-hand side (of the dividing step line).
  • Non-metals are found on the right-hand side (of the dividing step line).
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Groups

  • The vertical columns of the periodic table are called groups.
  • Elements in each group can be named:
    • Group 1: the alkali metals.
    • Group 7: the halogens.
    • Group 0: the noble gases.
  • The large block in the middle is called the transition metals.
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Properties of groups

  • Elements in each group have similar properties and patterns to each other. For instance:
    • Group 1, the alkali metals, are very reactive. They get more reactive as they go down the group.
    • Group 7, the halogens, are also reactive. They get less reactive as they go down the group.
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Periods

  • The horizontal rows of the periodic table are called periods.
  • Patterns can also be seen as you go along the periods.
  • The size of the atom decreases as you go from left to right along the period.
  • The elements get less metallic as you go from left to right.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Disciplinary Knowledge

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