Learning the Periodic Table

Learning

The Periodic Table of Elements

What are Atoms?

• Atoms are the simplest and

smallest particle composed of
protons, electrons, and
neutrons.

• The number of protons in the

nucleus of an atom is equal to
its atomic number.

• Normally, the number of

protons equals the number of
electrons.

The Atom’s Family

Protons, Neutrons and Electrons

• A proton is a positively charged particle

inside the nucleus.

• A neutron is a neutral particle also inside the

nucleus.

• An electron is a negatively charged particle

that orbits the nucleus.

Dropdown

We see the element sodium with an atomic number of 11. This means that sodium has ​

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protons ​

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its ​

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and ​

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electrons ​

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of its nucleus.

What is the Periodic Table of

Elements?

• Elements are substances that cannot be

broken down any further by chemical
means. There are over 100!

• The Periodic Table is the arrangement of

these elements by increasing atomic
number and similar properties.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following represents an element?

• NaCl

• CO₂

• O₂

• H₂O

Elements

• Each element on the Periodic Table has an atomic

number, symbol, name and average atomic mass.

• Atomic number – the number of protons found in

the nucleus of an atom.

• Average atomic mass – the mass of an atom

which equals the number of protons plus the number of neutrons

Math Response

An atom of a certain element has 36 protons, 36 electrons, and a mass number of 84. At room temperature, this element is a very stable gas. How many neutrons are in this atom?

Record your answer and be sure to use the correct place value.

Type answer here

Correct Answer: 48

Deg^°

Rad

How is it Arranged?

• The elements are put into rows by

increasing ATOMIC NUMBER.

• The horizontal rows are called periods

and are labeled 1 to 7.

• The vertical rows are called groups and

are labeled 1 to 18

The red lines show the different periods and the green lines show the groups.

Three States of Matter

Substances are made up of particles.

The state of the substance depends on the arrangement of the particles.

Solid

▪ Particles held tightly
▪ Very close together
▪ Regular arrangement
▪ Vibrate
▪ Can’t move from place
to place

Liquid

▪ Particles held weakly
▪ Very close together
▪ Random arrangement
▪ Vibrate
▪ Constantly move past
each other

Gas

▪ No attraction between
particles
▪ Far apart
▪ Random arrangement
▪ Vibrate
▪ Move quickly in all
directions

The Three States of Matter

Match

Match the following description with the state of matter it describes.

Particles in this state are arranged tightly together and are able to vibrate but not move freely.

Particles in this state are held together closely but loosely and can move over one another.

Particles in this state are not held together and are able to move around freely.

• Particles in this state are arranged tightly together and are able to vibrate but not move freely.

• Particles in this state are held together closely but loosely and can move over one another.

• Particles in this state are not held together and are able to move around freely.

Grouped Elements Have

Similarities

• Elements in the same group have similar

properties. Remember, groups are columns.

• Chemical Property - a property used to

characterize materials in reactions that change
their identity. Ex: burning something.

• Physical Property - a characteristic of a substance

that can be observed without changing the
substance into something else. Ex: measuring
something’s length, color, mass or volume.

Dropdown

A ​

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property is one that can be observed without changing an object while a ​

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property can only be tested and observed only by changing the identity of the substance itself into something different.

Metals, Nonmetals and Metalloids

• The major categories of elements are the

metals, non-metals, and metalloids.

• Metals are lustrous, malleable, and are good

conductors of heat and electricity.

• Non-metals are elements that do not share

the properties of metals.

• Metalloids are elements that share some,

but not all the properties of metals.

Metals - Lustrous, Malleable, and

Good Conductors?

These are physical properties of metals
• Lustrous means shiny or reflective of light.

– Coins and jewelry are shiny and reflective .

• Malleable means capable of being shaped.

– Aluminum foil is shaped or molded around food items to

keep them fresh.

• Being a Good Conductor means being able to

allow electricity and heat to flow through.

− When you think about the wires we use for

electrical devices, they are mostly made of
copper and other metals.

Multiple Choice

Which of these is the best conductor of electricity?

• glass rod

• plastic tubing

• cotton string

• copper penny

Alkali Metals

• Elements in Group 1 (not including

Hydrogen).

• Very reactive metals. Always combine

with something else in nature.

• Salt – an Alkali Metal,

Sodium, and another
element, Chlorine,
combined.

Alkaline Earth Metals

• Elements in Group 2.
• Reactive Metals that are

always combined with
non-metals in nature.

• Several of these

elements are important
mineral nutrients, like
Calcium.

Transition Metals

• Elements in Groups 3-12.
• Less reactive, harder metals.
• Includes metals used in jewelry, money and

construction.

Boron Family

• Elements in Group 13.
• Boron has properties of both metals

and non-metals.

• The rest of the elements in this

group are metals.

Carbon Family

• Elements in Group 14.
• Contains elements important to life and

computers.

• Carbon is the basic element in all organic

compounds.

• Silicon and

Germanium are
important
semiconductors.

Nitrogen Family

• Elements in Group 15.
• Nitrogen makes up more than ¾ of

our atmosphere.

• The red tip of matches is made of

phosphorous.

Oxygen Family or Chalcogens

• Elements in Group 16.
• Oxygen is necessary for respiration.
• Many things that have a bad odor

contain sulfur.

Halogens

• Elements in Group 17.
• Very reactive, diatomic non-metals.
• Always found combined with other

elements in nature.

• Chlorine is used to keep bacteria out of

swimming pools.

Noble Gases

• Elements in Group 18.
• Inert gases = nonreactive
• Used in lighted neon signs.
• Helium is used to make party balloons float.

Elements Used Everyday

Can you think of any elements you use every day?