Periodic Table Basics

Front

Each column in the periodic table is called a _________.

Back

group

Front

Groups on the periodic table are __________.

Back

Vertical Columns

Front

Periods on the periodic table are __________.

Back

Horizontal Rows

Front

In the periodic table, similar elements are arranged in vertical columns called groups. Some of the major groups include Group 1: alkali metals; Group 2: alkaline earth metals; Group 17: halogens; and Group 18: noble gases. Elements within each group have similar properties and characteristic behaviors because of their similar numbers of valence electrons. In what direction are groups arranged in the periodic table?

Back

Up and down.

Front

This class of elements are sometimes called "semiconductors."

Back

Metalloids

Front

What is the atomic number of an element?

Back

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What do elements in the same group of the periodic table have in common?

Back

They have similar chemical properties and the same number of valence electrons.

Front

What is the main difference between metals and nonmetals?

Back

Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity, while nonmetals are poor conductors.

Front

What are noble gases?

Back

Elements in Group 18 of the periodic table that are inert and do not readily react with other elements.

Front

What is a period in the context of the periodic table?

Back

A horizontal row of elements.