Periodic Table Basics

Front

What is the periodic table?

Back

A tabular arrangement of chemical elements, organized by increasing atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties.

Front

What does 'group' refer to in the periodic table?

Back

A vertical column in the periodic table that contains elements with similar chemical properties.

Front

What does 'period' refer to in the periodic table?

Back

A horizontal row in the periodic table that indicates the number of electron shells in the elements.

Front

What are valence electrons?

Back

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that determine its chemical properties and reactivity.

Front

How many groups are there in the periodic table?

Back

There are 18 groups in the periodic table.

Front

What are alkali metals?

Back

Elements found in group 1 of the periodic table, known for being highly reactive and having one valence electron.

Front

What are alkaline earth metals?

Back

Elements found in group 2 of the periodic table, known for having two valence electrons and being less reactive than alkali metals.

Front

What are halogens?

Back

Elements found in group 17 of the periodic table, known for being highly reactive nonmetals with seven valence electrons.

Front

What is the significance of atomic number?

Back

The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus and determines the element's identity.

Front

What is the difference between metals and nonmetals?

Back

Metals are typically shiny, conductive, and malleable, while nonmetals are usually dull, insulative, and brittle.