Periodic Table Basics

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What are the Lanthanides and Actinides?

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Elements with atomic numbers 57-70 and 89-102, placed at the bottom of the periodic table to avoid width. Some are shiny and reactive, while others are radioactive and unstable. Elements 95-103 are synthetic and do not exist in nature.

Front

What are Transition Metals?

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Elements in groups 3-12 of the periodic table, characterized by moderate reactivity, shiny appearance, good conductivity of heat and electricity, higher densities, and melting points than alkali and alkaline-earth metals. They typically have 1 or 2 valence electrons.

Front

What are Noble Gases?

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Elements in group 18 of the periodic table, known for being unreactive nonmetals. They are colorless and odorless gases at room temperature, with a full outer energy level (usually 8 valence electrons), except for Helium, which has 2.

Front

What are periods in the periodic table?

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Horizontal rows in the periodic table that indicate the energy levels of the elements.

Front

What are groups in the periodic table?

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Vertical columns in the periodic table that categorize elements with similar chemical properties.

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What are Alkali Metals?

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

Front

What are Alkaline-earth Metals?

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

Front

What is the significance of valence electrons?

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Valence electrons determine an element's chemical properties and reactivity, as they are involved in forming bonds with other atoms.

Front

What is the atomic number?

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The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which defines the element and its position in the periodic table.

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What is the difference between metals, nonmetals, and metalloids?

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Metals are typically shiny, conductive, and malleable; nonmetals are dull, insulative, and brittle; metalloids have properties of both metals and nonmetals.