Periodic Table: Group Names: Videos & Practice Problems

The periodic table is organized into 7 horizontal rows, known as periods, and 18 vertical columns, called groups or families. Elements in the same group share similar chemical properties due to their electron arrangements. Notable groups include alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and noble gases. The table is dynamic; new elements may be discovered, potentially adding more rows in the future. Understanding the structure of the periodic table is essential for grasping chemical behavior and properties of elements.

Periodic Table: Group Names

The periodic table is organized into periods and groups, which help categorize the elements based on their properties and behaviors. Periods refer to the 7 horizontal rows of the table, starting from the left. For instance, the first row includes hydrogen (H) and helium (He), representing period 1, while lithium (Li) to neon (Ne) constitutes period 2. The table currently has 7 periods, but it is dynamic; as scientific advancements occur, new elements may be discovered and added, potentially leading to additional periods in the future.

In contrast, groups are the vertical columns of the periodic table, also known as families or series. There are 18 groups, each containing elements that share similar chemical properties due to their electron arrangements. For example, elements in group 1, which includes hydrogen (H) down to francium (Fr), are classified as alkali metals, while group 2 elements, from beryllium (Be) to radium (Ra), are known as alkaline earth metals. Other notable groups include the nitrogen group (group 15), chalcogens (group 16), halogens (group 17), and noble gases (group 18). The term "noble gases" reflects their stability, although some can react under certain conditions.

Additionally, there are two special rows that are not part of the main body of the table: the lanthanides, which follow lanthanum (La), and the actinides, which follow actinium (Ac). Understanding the structure of the periodic table, including the distinction between periods and groups, is essential for grasping the relationships and similarities among the elements.

Periodic Table: Group Names Example 1

In the periodic table, elements are organized into periods (rows) and groups (columns), with the 4th period containing a variety of elements. When identifying metals, nonmetals, and metalloids, it is essential to recognize their classifications. In the 4th period, the elements include both metals and nonmetals.

For instance, sodium (Na) is a metal but is located in the 3rd period, while strontium (Sr) is also a metal found in the 5th period. Bromine (Br), positioned in the 4th period, is classified as a nonmetal. However, calcium (Ca) is a metal that resides in the 4th period, making it a suitable answer to the question of which element is a metal in this specific period.

Aluminum (Al), another metal, is located in the 3rd period, further confirming that the only metal in the 4th period from the options provided is calcium. Understanding the layout of the periodic table and the classification of elements is crucial for identifying metals accurately.

Which of the following is a metalloid that is also a chalcogen?

• A. B
• B. Ge
• C. Te
• D. As
• E. Cl

Answer: (C)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What are the main groups in the periodic table and their characteristics?

The main groups in the periodic table include:

• Alkali Metals (Group 1): Highly reactive, especially with water, and have one valence electron.
• Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2): Less reactive than alkali metals, have two valence electrons.
• Halogens (Group 17): Very reactive nonmetals, have seven valence electrons.
• Noble Gases (Group 18): Inert or noble gases, very stable, have a full valence shell.
• Lanthanides and Actinides: These are the two rows at the bottom of the periodic table, known for their rare earth elements and radioactive properties, respectively.

How are periods and groups different in the periodic table?

Periods are the horizontal rows in the periodic table, and there are currently 7 periods. Each period indicates the number of electron shells an element has. Groups, on the other hand, are the vertical columns and there are 18 groups. Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties due to having the same number of valence electrons. For example, all elements in Group 1 have one valence electron, making them highly reactive.

Why are noble gases also called inert gases?

Noble gases are also called inert gases because they were initially thought to be completely non-reactive due to their full valence electron shells, which make them very stable. However, further experiments showed that some noble gases can form compounds under certain conditions. Despite this, the term 'inert gases' is still used interchangeably with 'noble gases' in many contexts.

What are lanthanides and actinides, and where are they located on the periodic table?

Lanthanides and actinides are two rows of elements located at the bottom of the periodic table. Lanthanides follow the element lanthanum (La) and are known for their rare earth properties. Actinides follow the element actinium (Ac) and include elements that are mostly radioactive. These rows are often separated from the main body of the periodic table to keep the table more compact and organized.

How many groups are there in the periodic table, and what are they called?

There are 18 groups in the periodic table, also known as families or series. Each group is a vertical column, and elements within the same group share similar chemical properties due to their electron configurations. Some notable groups include the alkali metals (Group 1), alkaline earth metals (Group 2), halogens (Group 17), and noble gases (Group 18).