Periodic Table Classification Flashcards

Study Notes

Periodic Table of the Elements

Developed by Dmitri Mendeleev, organizes all known chemical elements.
Arranged by atomic number in rows (periods) and columns (groups/families).

Period

A horizontal row in the periodic table.
Elements in a period share the same number of atomic orbitals.

Group/Family

A vertical column in the periodic table.
Elements within a group typically have the same number of valence electrons, excluding transition metals.

Metals

Predominantly located on the left side of the periodic table.
Characteristics include malleability, ductility, metallic luster, and good conductivity, with examples like gold, copper, and aluminum.

Nonmetals

Found on the right side of the periodic table.
Typically brittle, lacking luster, and poor conductors, including elements like oxygen and carbon.

Metalloids

Positioned along the zig-zag line between metals and nonmetals.
Exhibit properties of both categories and can function as semiconductors, including boron and silicon.

Alkali Metals

Located in Group 1 of the periodic table.
Contain 1 valence electron and are extremely reactive; notable examples are lithium, sodium, and potassium.

Alkaline Earth Metals

Found in Group 2 of the periodic table.
Feature 2 valence electrons and are very reactive, including elements like magnesium and calcium.

Transition Metals

Occupy the central block of the periodic table.
Exhibit unpredictable valence electron configurations, share similar properties, and are generally not highly reactive; examples are iron and copper.

Halogens

Nonmetals located in Group 7 of the periodic table.
Known for being very reactive with 7 valence electrons, particularly reacting with metals to form salts; examples include fluorine and chlorine.

Noble Gases

Positioned in Group 8 of the periodic table.
Inert and nonreactive due to having a full octet in their valence shell; notable examples include helium and neon.

Lanthanides and Actinides

Found in two rows below the main body of the periodic table.
Often referred to as rare earth elements; significant in electronics, with many being synthetic and radioactive, playing critical roles in the nuclear industry.

Description

Dive into the world of chemistry with these flashcards focusing on the Periodic Table of Elements. You'll learn about the arrangement of elements, periods, and groups or families. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of elemental classification.