Periodic Table, Trends, and Chemical Bonding

Horizontal rows (<-------->) on the Periodic Table are called ______.

• periods

• blocks

• families

• groups

Answer explanation

Horizontal rows on the Periodic Table are called periods. Each period represents a different energy level of electrons in the atoms of the elements in that row.

The vertical columns on the Periodic Table are called groups or ______.

• families

• sections

• categories

• blocks

Answer explanation

The vertical columns on the Periodic Table are known as groups or families. This term reflects the similar properties and behaviors of the elements within each column, making 'families' the correct choice.

Which of the following is NOT a type of element found on the Periodic Table?

• metal

• non-metal

• metalloid

• compound

Answer explanation

A compound is not an element but a substance formed from two or more elements chemically bonded together. The Periodic Table lists elements as metals, non-metals, and metalloids, but not compounds.

The electrons in an atom's outermost shell are called its _____ electrons.

• core

• inner

• valence

• subatomic

Answer explanation

The electrons in an atom's outermost shell are known as valence electrons. They are crucial for chemical bonding and determine the atom's reactivity, unlike core or inner electrons, which are not involved in bonding.

Which element family is made up of non-reactive gases that do not bond with other elements?

• Noble gases

• Transition metals

• Alkali metals

• Halogens

Answer explanation

The noble gases, such as helium and neon, are known for being non-reactive and do not readily bond with other elements, making them distinct from other element families like alkali metals and halogens.

Which element family is made up of soft, silvery solids that are all reactive with water and have only one valence electron?

• Noble gases

• Lanthanides

• Halogens

• Alkali metals

Answer explanation

The alkali metals are a group of soft, silvery solids that are highly reactive with water and possess only one valence electron. This distinguishes them from noble gases, lanthanides, and halogens.

Which group of elements is made up of metals that are radioactive?

• Alkaline earth metals

• Actinides

• Halogens

• Noble gases

Answer explanation

The actinides are a series of 15 elements from actinium to lawrencium, known for being radioactive metals. In contrast, alkaline earth metals, halogens, and noble gases do not primarily consist of radioactive elements.

Which element is in period 1 group 18?

• Helium

• Hydrogen

• Neon

• Lead

Answer explanation

Helium is the only element in period 1 and group 18 of the periodic table. It is a noble gas, while hydrogen is in group 1, neon is in period 2, and lead is in period 6.

Which element is in period 3 and group 14?

• Silicon

• Helium

• Mercury

• Neon

Answer explanation

Silicon is the only element listed that is in period 3 and group 14 of the periodic table. Helium is in period 1, Mercury is in period 6, and Neon is in period 2, making Silicon the correct choice.

Which of the following is not a characteristic of metals?

• Good conductor of electricity

• High melting point

• Dull surface

• Malleable

Answer explanation

Metals are typically good conductors of electricity, have high melting points, and are malleable. A dull surface is not a characteristic of metals, which usually have a shiny appearance.