The Periodic Table of Elements

Metals, metalloids & non-metals  The periodic table of elements is divided into three categories: metals, metalloids, and non-metals.  Metals: In general, metals are lustrous, malleable, ductile and conduct both heat and electricity.  Non-metals: In general, non-metals are gases or dull powdery solids that do not conduct heat nor electricity.  Metalloids: In general, metalloids have properties of metals and non-metals.

Metals, metalloids & non-metals

Chemical Families  The Periodic Table of Elements is also divided into periods (rows) and groups (columns). Elements within the same column are said to be in the same group or chemical family because they share similar physical and chemical properties.

Alkali metals  Alkali metals are the elements in the first column (Group 1). They are shiny, silvery, soft and highly reactive. Alkali metals all have one electron in their valence shell. They are highly reactive because they want to get rid of their single electron.

Alkaline Earth metals  Alkaline Earth metals are the elements in the second column (Group 2). Elements in this family are shiny, silvery, soft (but not as soft as alkali metals) and reactive (but less reactive than alkali metals). When they are burned, they produce bright and colourfully. Alkaline Earth metals all have two electrons in their valence shell.

The Noble Gases  Noble gases are the elements in the last column (Group 18). Elements in this family are colourless, odourless, tasteless, glow brightly when an electrical current is passed through them and they are non-toxic. They are unreactive because their valence shell is complete (octet rule).

Transition Metals  Transition metals have metallic properties and many of them vary in the number of electrons that they give. We will not be studying them at this level.

Rare Earth metals  These metals will not be studied at this level.