Hunting the Elements

Front

What are alkali metals?

Back

Alkali metals are elements found in the first column of the periodic table. They have one electron in their outer shell, which they readily lose to form positive ions.

Front

What percentage of elements are metals?

Back

75% of the elements are metals.

Front

What are noble gases?

Back

Noble gases are the group of elements located on the far right of the periodic table. They are characterized by their lack of reactivity due to having full outer electron shells.

Front

What determines the identity of an element?

Back

The number of protons in an atom's nucleus determines what kind of element it is.

Front

What rules the reactivity of an element?

Back

The reactivity of an element is primarily determined by the number of electrons in its outer shell.

Front

What are nonmetals?

Back

Nonmetals are elements that typically lack the characteristics of metals. They are found on the right side of the periodic table and include gases like oxygen and nitrogen.

Front

What are metalloids?

Back

Metalloids are elements that have properties of both metals and nonmetals. They are found along the zig-zag line on the periodic table.

Front

What is the periodic table?

Back

The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of elements organized by increasing atomic number, which reflects the number of protons in the nucleus.

Front

What is an ion?

Back

An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge.

Front

What is the significance of valence electrons?

Back

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. They are important for determining how an element will react chemically.