The Periodic Table

Question 1

What are the vertical columns called?

Answer 1

Groups

Question 2

What are the rows called?

Answer 2

Periods

Question 3

How can the elements be divided?

Answer 3

Metals, non-metals, a few semi-metals or metalloids

Question 4

What is the position of the dividing line between metals and non-metals in the Periodic Table?

Answer 4

The non-metal border is boron, silicon, arsenic, tellurium and astatine

Question 5

What is the name given to the Group 1 metals?

Answer 5

The alkali metals

Question 6

What are the physical properties of the alkali metals?

Answer 6

The alkali metals are soft metals with low melting points and low densities.

Question 7

What are the chemical properties of the alkali metals?

Answer 7

The alkali metals are very reactive. They are stored under oil. They tarnish very quickly, but are shiny inside when freshly cut.

Question 8

When the alkali metals react with water, what are the products of the reaction?

Answer 8

The alkali metals react with water, giving off hydrogen gas and leaving an alkaline (hydroxide) solution.

Question 9

What is the trend in reactivity in group 1 metals?

Answer 9

They get more reactive as you go down the group.

Question 10

Give two reasons for why the reactivity increases down the group in group 1

Answer 10

The size of the atom increases as you go down the group therefore the attraction for the valence electron for the nucleus decreases, making it easier to be lost.

As you go down the group there is more shielding, so the valence electron is less attracted to the nucleus, so is more easily lost.

Question 11

How do you know if a substance is going to gain or lose electrons in a reaction?

Answer 11

Metals always lose electrons, but non-metals always gain electrons.

Question 12

How does the periodic table sort elements?

Answer 12

By order of atomic number