The Periodic Table of Elements8th Grade Science

Ms. Kindregan

Layout of the Periodic Table

Atomic Number: The number of protons in the nucleus in an atom.

Atomic Mass: The average mass of the atoms of an element.

Group: the elements in a column of the periodic table

Period: a horizontal row in the periodic table

Families on the Periodic TableElements on the periodic table can be

grouped into families bases on their chemical properties.

Each family has a specific name to differentiate it from the other families in the periodic table.

Elements in each family react differently with other elements.

How to Read Periodic Table

Atomic Number: Number of protons in the nucleus of the element.

Atomic Mass: average mass of isotopes in this element.

NonMetals Non-metals are the

elements in groups 14-16 of the periodic table.

Non-metals are not able to conduct electricity or heat very well.

As opposed to metals, non-metallic elements are very brittle.

The non-metals can be gases, such as oxygen and solids, such as carbon.

The non-metals have no metallic luster, and do not reflect light.

Alkali Metals

Group 1Hydrogen is not a

member, it is a non-metal1 electron in the outer shellSoft and silvery metalsVery reactive, esp. with

waterConduct electricity

Alkaline Earth MetalsGroup 22 electrons in the

outer shellWhite and

malleableReactive, but less

than Alkali metalsConduct

electricity

Transition MetalsGroups in the

middle

Good conductors of heat and electricity.

Some are used for jewelry.

The transition metals are able to put up to 32 electrons in their second to last shell.

Can bond with many elements in a variety of shapes.

Rare Earth MetalsSome are

RadioactiveThe rare

earths are silver, silvery-white, or gray metals.

Conduct electricity

Noble GasesNoble GasesExist as gasesNon-metals8 electrons in the

outer shell = FullHelium (He) has

only 2 electrons in the outer shell = Full

Not reactive with other elements

Metalloids Metalloid:Metalloids are the

elements found between the boundary that distinguishes metals from non-metals.

Metalloids have properties of both metals and non-metals.

Some of the metalloids, such as silicon and germanium, are semi-conductors.

HalogensHalogens7 electrons in the

outer shellAll are non-

metalsVery reactive

are often bonded with elements from Group 1

Other Metals Other MetalsThe "other

metals" elements are located in groups 13, 14, and 15.

All of these elements are solid, have a relatively high density, and are opaque.