Classification of Elements: Periodic Table Quiz

Periodic Law and Table Structure

• Periodic law: The physical and chemical properties of elements are periodic functions of their atomic numbers.
• Groups: Vertical columns in the periodic table, also referred to as families.
• Periods: Horizontal rows of elements in the periodic table.

Properties of Elements

• Metals: Good conductors of heat and electricity, shiny, high melting points, ductile, malleable, and tend to lose electrons.
• Luster: Indicates the shiny appearance of an element.
• Ductility: Refers to the ability of a metal to be drawn into thin wires.
• Malleability: Describes the capability of a metal to be hammered into thin sheets.
• Corrosion: The gradual wearing away of metals due to chemical reactions, resulting in the formation of metallic compounds.
• Nonmetals: Poor conductors of heat and electricity, dull surfaces, low melting points, brittle, and tend to gain electrons.
• Metalloids: Elements exhibiting properties of both metals and nonmetals.

Specific Families of Elements

• Alkali Metals: Family 1 elements characterized by having 1 valence electron.
• Alkaline Earth Metals: Family 2 elements with 2 valence electrons.
• Transition Metals: Elements with properties similar to other transition metals but do not fit neatly into any specific family.

Element Families by Valence Electrons

• Boron Family: Family 13 elements possess 3 valence electrons.
• Carbon Family: Family 14 elements have 4 valence electrons.
• Nitrogen Family: Family 15 elements contain 5 valence electrons.
• Oxygen Family: Family 16 elements have 6 valence electrons.
• Halogen Family: Family 17 elements contain 7 valence electrons.
• Noble Gases: Family 18 elements have 8 valence electrons and are highly unreactive.

Rare-Earth Elements

• Rare-Earth Elements: General term for elements in the lanthanoid and actinoid series.
• Lanthanoid Series: First row of rare-earth elements, known for being soft, malleable metals with high luster and conductivity.
• Actinoid Series: Second row of rare-earth elements, noted for being radioactive, with all but three being synthetic.

Test your knowledge on the periodic table with these flashcards. Explore key terms such as periodic law, groups, families, and periods that define the structure of the elements. This quiz is ideal for students learning chemistry concepts related to the periodic table.