BrainPOP Periodic Table

The elements in a family or group in the periodic table often, but not always, share similar properties. The properties are the same because the elements have the same number of electrons in their outer energy level.

Atoms in these elements take, give, or share electrons with other atoms in order to fill the outer valence shell. They do this to form a compound with another element.

Electrons in outer level: 1 Don’t match the properties of any groups Hydrogen belongs to a family of its own. Most abundant element in the universe Hydrogen is a diatomic, reactive gas. Hydrogen reacts violently with oxygen. The hot water vapor that forms as a result pushed the space shuttle into orbit. Placed above the group 1 elements because it has only 1 electron in it’s valance shell and can give one away Properties are more like atoms of alkali metals Hydrogen was involved in the explosion of the Hindenberg. Hydrogen is promising as an alternative fuel source for cars

Electrons in outer level: 1 1st column on the periodic table (Group 1) not including hydrogen. Most often found in compounds Soft, silver-colored, shiny, low density are soft enough to be cut with a knife the densities of some elements are less than water Most reactive of the metals easily give away the single electron from the valence shell React violently with water (Stored in oil to prevent reacting with water and oxygen in the atmosphere)

Electrons in outer level: 2 Second column on the periodic table. (Group 2) Still reactive but not as reactive as Group 1 because they have 2 electrons to give away in the valence shell Typically found in compounds such as calcium in chalk, plaster, cement, and of course, humans!

Properties vary widely The atoms of the transition metals do not give away their electrons as easily as in Groups 1 and 2 so they are less reactive. Properties: shiny, good conductors of thermal energy and electric current, higher densities and melting points Transition Metals (yellow)

These bottom two rows from Periods 6 and 7on the periodic table are placed at the bottom to keep the table from being too wide Lanthanides Actinides

Named lanthanides because they follow the element lanthanum Shiny, reactive metals Some are used to make different types of steel Lanthanides

Actinides follow the element actinium All are radioactive, which means they are unstable Atoms from a radioactive element can change into atoms of a different element Elements after plutonium (94) do not occur in nature Actinides

Electrons in outer level: 3 Group contains 1 metalloid and 4 metals Reactive Solid at room temperature Most common element is Al (aluminum) Al is most abundant metal in Earth’s crust 1880’s Al more valuable than gold

Electrons in outer level: 4 Group contains 1 nonmetal, 2 metalloids, and 2 metals Reactivity varies among the elements Solid at room temp 2 metalloids in this group make computer chips Diamonds and soot are both natural forms of carbon!

Electrons in outer level: 5 Group contains 2 nonmetals, 2 metalloids, and 1 metal Reactivity varies among the elements All but nitrogen are solid at room temperature; nitrogen is a gas at room temp Nitrogen non reactive, phosphorous extremely reactive and only found combined with other elements in nature

Electrons in outer level: 6 Group contains 3 nonmetals, 1 metalloid, and 1 metal. All but oxygen are solid at room temperature Many things that stink, contain sulfur (rotten eggs, garlic, skunks,etc.) Reactive

Group 17: Most reactive nonmetals Group 18: Least reactive nonmetals; normally won’t react with other elements

Electrons in outer level: 7 Contains only nonmetals Very reactive because they need to gain only 1 electron to complete valance Poor conductors of electric current React violently with alkali metals to form salts Never found uncombined in nature and combine readily with other atoms, esp metals Physical properties of atoms in this group are different

Electrons in outer level: 8 (2 for helium) Contains nonmetals only 18 Electrons in outer level: 8 (2 for helium) Contains nonmetals only Unreactive under normal conditions Colorless, odorless gases at room temp All are found in Earth’s atmosphere in small amounts Argon is the most abundant noble gas