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SPM WikiChemistryChapter 4: Periodic Table of Elements

Chapter 4: Periodic Table of Elements

Explore the organization of elements in the periodic table, understand periodic trends, and learn about specific groups and periods with comprehensive examples and applications.

Chapter 4: Periodic Table of Elements

Overview

The periodic table is one of the most important tools in chemistry. It organizes all known elements in a systematic way that reveals patterns in their properties and reactivity. This chapter will guide you through the development of the periodic table, the organization of elements in the modern periodic table, and the characteristic properties of important groups and periods. Understanding the periodic table will help you predict chemical behavior and understand why elements behave the way they do.

Learning Objectives

After studying this chapter, you should be able to:

  • Explain the historical development of the periodic table
  • Understand the organization of the modern periodic table
  • Identify and locate different groups and periods
  • Analyze periodic trends in atomic properties
  • Describe characteristic properties of Group 1, Group 17, and Period 3 elements
  • Understand the properties of transition elements

4.1 Development of the Periodic Table

Early Attempts at Classification

Lavoisier's Elements (1789)

Approach: Classified elements as metals, nonmetals, and earths Limitations: Only identified 33 elements, no systematic organization

Dobereiner's Triads (1829)

Concept: Groups of three elements with similar properties Examples:

  • Cl, Br, I\text{Cl, Br, I} (halogens)
  • Ca, Sr, Ba\text{Ca, Sr, Ba} (alkaline earth metals)
  • S, Se, Te\text{S, Se, Te} (chalcogens)

Law of Triads: Properties of middle element were average of the other two

Newlands' Law of Octaves (1864)

Concept: Elements arranged by atomic mass showed repeating properties every 8 elements

Comparison: Similar to musical notes repeating every 8 notes Limitations: Worked well for lighter elements but failed for heavier elements

Mendeleev's Periodic Table (1869)

Key Contributions

  1. Atomic Mass Arrangement: Arranged elements by increasing atomic mass
  2. Periodic Law: Properties are periodic functions of atomic mass
  3. Prediction of Elements: Left blank spaces for undiscovered elements
  4. Prediction of Properties: Predicted properties of missing elements

Achievements

  • Gallium (1875): Predicted eka-aluminum - discovered by French chemist
  • Scandium (1879): Predicted eka-boron - discovered by Swedish chemist
  • Germanium (1886): Predicted eka-silicon - discovered by German chemist
  • All predictions were remarkably accurate

Limitations

  • Could not explain position of isotopes
  • Could not explain properties of transition metals
  • Some elements didn't fit in proper positions

Modern Periodic Table (1913 onwards)

Moseley's Contribution (1913)

Key Discovery: X-ray spectroscopy revealed atomic numbers Law: Properties are periodic functions of atomic number, not atomic mass Result: Elements arranged by increasing atomic number

Modern Organization

  • Atomic Number: Number of protons in nucleus
  • Periods: Horizontal rows (7 periods)
  • Groups: Vertical columns (18 groups)
  • Blocks: s-block, p-block, d-block, f-block

Did You Know?

Mendeleev was so confident in his predictions that he corrected the atomic masses of certain elements, believing his periodic law was correct. When elements were discovered with properties matching his predictions, his periodic table gained scientific acceptance.

4.2 Arrangement of Elements in the Modern Periodic Table

Structure of the Periodic Table

Periods

Definition: Horizontal rows in the periodic table Number: 7 periods (1-7) Organization: Elements with same number of electron shells

Characteristics:

  • Period 1: 2 elements (H, He\text{H, He})
  • Periods 2-3: 8 elements each
  • Periods 4-5: 18 elements each
  • Periods 6-7: 32 elements each

Groups

Definition: Vertical columns in the periodic table Number: 18 groups (1-18) Organization: Elements with similar chemical properties and same number of valence electrons

Group Categories:

  • Main Group (Representative) Elements: Groups 1, 2, 13-18
  • Transition Elements: Groups 3-12
  • Inner Transition Elements: Lanthanides and Actinides

Blocks

s-block: Groups 1-2, Helium (last period)

  • Valence electrons: ns12ns^{1-2}

p-block: Groups 13-18

  • Valence electrons: ns2np16ns^2np^{1-6}
  • Mix of metals, metalloids, and nonmetals

d-block: Groups 3-12

  • Valence electrons: (n1)d110ns02(n-1)d^{1-10}ns^{0-2}
  • Transition metals with variable oxidation states

f-block: Lanthanides and Actinides

  • Valence electrons: (n2)f114(n-2)f^{1-14}
  • Rare earth elements

Atomic Radius

Definition: Distance from nucleus to outermost electron

Trends:

  • Down a group: Increases (more electron shells)
  • Across a period: Decreases (increased nuclear charge, same shells)
ElementPeriodGroupAtomic Radius (pm)
Li21152
Be22112
B21385
C21477
N21575
O21673
F21772
Ne21871

Ionization Energy

Definition: Energy required to remove one electron from a gaseous atom

Trends:

  • Down a group: Decreases (electrons farther from nucleus)
  • Across a period: Increases (increased nuclear charge, same shells)
ElementPeriodGroup1st Ionization Energy (kJ/mol)
Li21520
Be22899
B213801
C2141086
N2151402
O2161314
F2171681
Ne2182081

Electronegativity

Definition: Ability of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond

Trends:

  • Down a group: Decreases (larger atomic size)
  • Across a period: Increases (increased nuclear charge)
ElementPeriodGroupElectronegativity (Pauling)
Li211.0
Be221.5
B2132.0
C2142.5
N2153.0
O2163.5
F2174.0
Ne218-

Electron Affinity

Definition: Energy change when an atom gains an electron

Trends:

  • Down a group: Generally decreases
  • Across a period: Generally increases (with some exceptions)

Key Terms

  • Period: Horizontal row in periodic table
  • Group: Vertical column in periodic table
  • Atomic Radius: Size of atom
  • Ionization Energy: Energy to remove electron
  • Electronegativity: Ability to attract electrons

SPM Exam Tips

When studying periodic trends:

  • Remember the general patterns (radius decreases across period, increases down group)
  • Know the exceptions (e.g., Be > B in ionization energy)
  • Understand the reasons behind the trends (nuclear charge, electron shielding)
  • Practice identifying elements in different blocks

4.3 Elements in Group 18 (Noble Gases)

Characteristics of Noble Gases

Physical Properties

ElementAtomic NumberElectron ConfigurationBoiling Point (°C)Melting Point (°C)
Helium21s21s^2-268.9-272.2
Neon10[He]2s22p6[\text{He}]2s^22p^6-246.1-248.6
Argon18[Ne]3s23p6[\text{Ne}]3s^23p^6-185.7-189.4
Krypton36[Ar]4s23d104p6[\text{Ar}]4s^23d^{10}4p^6-153.4-157.4
Xenon54[Kr]5s24d105p6[\text{Kr}]5s^24d^{10}5p^6-108.1-111.8
Radon86[Xe]6s24f145d106p6[\text{Xe}]6s^24f^{14}5d^{10}6p^6-61.7-71

Chemical Properties

Common Features:

  • Valence Shell: Completely filled (ns2np6ns^2np^6)
  • Stability: High stability due to full valence shell
  • Reactivity: Very low (inert gases)
  • Ionization Energy: Highest in their respective periods

Chemical Behavior

Reactivity Order: He < Ne < Ar < Kr < Xe < Rn

  • Helium and Neon: Essentially inert
  • Argon: Forms some compounds under extreme conditions
  • Krypton: Forms few compounds (e.g., KrF2F_2)
  • Xenon: Forms several compounds (e.g., XeF2F_2, XeF4F_4, XeF6F_6)
  • Radon: Radioactive, forms compounds similar to xenon

Noble Gas Compounds

CompoundFormulaFormation ConditionsProperties
Xenon difluorideXeF2F_2High temperature, UV lightColorless crystalline solid
Xenon tetrafluorideXeF4F_4High pressure, excess F2F_2White crystalline solid
Xenon hexafluorideXeF6F_6High pressure, excess F2F_2Colorless crystals
Xenon trioxideXeO3O_3Hydrolysis of XeF6F_6Yellow explosive solid

Occurrence and Uses

ElementOccurrenceUses
HeliumNatural gas depositsBalloons, cryogenics, welding
NeonAtmospheric traceLighting signs, lasers
ArgonAtmospheric (0.93%)Welding, lighting, inert atmosphere
KryptonAtmospheric traceHigh-intensity lamps, lasers
XenonAtmospheric traceHigh-intensity lamps, medical imaging
RadonRadioactive decayCancer treatment research

Importance of Noble Gases

Industrial Applications

  1. Inert Atmospheres: Prevent unwanted reactions
  2. Lighting: Neon signs, fluorescent lamps
  3. Cryogenics: Liquid helium for superconductivity
  4. Medical: Xenon for anesthesia, imaging

Scientific Research

  • Cryogenics: Superconductivity research
  • Plasma Physics: Noble gas plasmas
  • Chemical Bonding: Studying extreme compounds

Key Terms

  • Noble Gases: Group 18 elements with filled valence shells
  • Inert Gases: Elements with very low reactivity
  • Full Valence Shell: Complete outer electron configuration
  • Ionization Energy: Energy required to remove electron

Did You Know?

Helium is the only element that cannot be solidified at normal atmospheric pressure, no matter how low the temperature. It requires pressures greater than 25 atmospheres to become solid, making it unique among all elements.

4.4 Elements in Group 1 (Alkali Metals)

Characteristics of Alkali Metals

Physical Properties

ElementAtomic NumberElectron ConfigurationDensity (g/cm3m^3)Melting Point (°C)
Lithium3[He]2s1s^10.534180.5
Sodium11[Ne]3s1s^10.96897.8
Potassium19[Ar]4s1s^10.85663.5
Rubidium37[Kr]5s1s^11.53239.3
Cesium55[Xe]6s1s^11.87328.4
Francium87[Rn]7s1s^11.870~27

Chemical Properties

Common Features:

  • Valence Shell: ns1s^1 configuration
  • Reactivity: Extremely high (most reactive metals)
  • Ion Formation: Lose 1 electron to form M⁺ ions
  • Electronegativity: Lowest in their respective periods
  • Ionization Energy: Lowest in their respective periods

Reactivity Trend

Order of Reactivity: Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs < Fr

  • Down the group: Reactivity increases
  • Reason: Decreasing ionization energy, increasing atomic size

Chemical Reactions

  1. Reaction with Oxygen 4M+O22M2O(normal oxides)4\text{M} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{M}_2\text{O} \quad \text{(normal oxides)} 2M+O2M2O2(peroxides - Na, K)2\text{M} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{M}_2\text{O}_2 \quad \text{(peroxides - Na, K)} M+O2MO2(superoxides - K, Rb, Cs)\text{M} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{MO}_2 \quad \text{(superoxides - K, Rb, Cs)}

  2. Reaction with Water 2M+2H2O2MOH+H22\text{M} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 2\text{MOH} + \text{H}_2

    • Lithium: Gentle reaction
    • Sodium: Vigorous reaction
    • Potassium: Very vigorous reaction
    • Rubidium/Cesium: Explosive reaction
  3. Reaction with Halogens 2M+X22MX(white ionic solids)2\text{M} + \text{X}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{MX} \quad \text{(white ionic solids)}

Occurrence and Uses

ElementOccurrenceUses
LithiumMinerals (spodumene)Batteries, ceramics, medicine
SodiumSalt deposits (NaCl)Sodium vapor lamps, NaOH production
PotassiumMinerals (sylvite)Fertilizers, soaps, glass
RubidiumTrace mineralsAtomic clocks, electronics
CesiumTrace mineralsAtomic clocks, photoelectric cells
FranciumRadioactive decayResearch only

Safety Precautions

Hazards

  • Fire Hazard: React violently with water
  • Storage: Stored under oil to prevent reaction with air/moisture
  • Handling: Use dry inert atmosphere, avoid contact with water

Emergency Procedures

  • Fire: Use Class D fire extinguishers (DO NOT USE WATER)
  • Spills: Cover with dry sand, evacuate area
  • Contact: Wash with copious water for skin contact

SPM Exam Tips

For Group 1 elements:

  • Know the reactivity trend and reasons (increasing atomic size, decreasing IE)
  • Understand different oxide formation (normal, peroxide, superoxide)
  • Memorize the reaction with water and observations
  • Remember storage requirements (under oil)

4.5 Elements in Group 17 (Halogens)

Characteristics of Halogens

Physical Properties

ElementAtomic NumberElectron ConfigurationState at STPColor
Fluorine9[He]2s2s^22p5p^5GasPale yellow
Chlorine17[Ne]3s2s^23p5p^5GasGreenish-yellow
Bromine35[Ar]4s2s^23d1d^1⁰4p5p^5LiquidReddish-brown
Iodine53[Kr]5s2s^24d1d^1⁰5p5p^5SolidGray-black
Astatine85[Xe]6s2s^24f1f^1⁴5d1d^1⁰6p5p^5SolidBlack (radioactive)

Chemical Properties

Common Features:

  • Valence Shell: ns2s^2np5p^5 configuration
  • Reactivity: High nonmetals
  • Ion Formation: Gain 1 electron to form X⁻ ions
  • Electronegativity: Highest in their respective periods
  • Electron Affinity: High (tendency to gain electrons)

Reactivity Trend

Order of Reactivity: F > Cl > Br > I > At

  • Down the group: Reactivity decreases
  • Reason: Decreasing electron affinity, increasing atomic size

Chemical Reactions

  1. Reaction with Metals 2M+3X22MX3(Alkali metals)2\text{M} + 3\text{X}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{MX}_3 \quad \text{(Alkali metals)} M+X2MX(Alkaline earth metals)\text{M} + \text{X}_2 \rightarrow \text{MX} \quad \text{(Alkaline earth metals)}

  2. Reaction with Hydrogen H2+X22HX(hydrogen halides)\text{H}_2 + \text{X}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{HX} \quad \text{(hydrogen halides)}

    • Reactivity: F2F_2 > Cl2l_2 > Br2r_2 > I2I_2
  3. Displacement Reactions X2+2NaY2NaX+Y2(if X is more reactive than Y)\text{X}_2 + 2\text{NaY} \rightarrow 2\text{NaX} + \text{Y}_2 \quad \text{(if X is more reactive than Y)}

Occurrence and Uses

ElementOccurrenceUses
FluorineMinerals (fluorite)Teflon, toothpaste, uranium enrichment
ChlorineSalt deposits (NaCl)Bleach, disinfectant, PVC production
BromineSeawater, salt lakesFlame retardants, pharmaceuticals
IodineSeaweed, calicheDisinfectants, medicine, photography
AstatineTrace amountsResearch only

Halogen Compounds

Hydrogen Halides

CompoundFormulaPropertiesUses
Hydrogen fluorideHFColorless gas, acidicEtching glass, refrigerant
Hydrogen chlorideHClColorless gas, acidicCleaning, chemical synthesis
Hydrogen bromideHBrColorless gas, acidicOrganic synthesis
Hydrogen iodideHIColorless gas, acidicResearch

Important Applications

  1. Disinfection: Chlorine and iodine for water treatment
  2. Pharmaceuticals: Fluoride in toothpaste, iodine in antiseptics
  3. Industrial: Bromine in flame retardants, chlorine in PVC
  4. Research: Fluorine compounds in Teflon, pharmaceuticals

Key Terms

  • Halogens: Group 17 elements (F, Cl, Br, I, At)
  • Electron Affinity: Energy change when gaining electron
  • Oxidizing Agents: Substances that accept electrons
  • Displacement Reactions: More reactive element displaces less reactive one

Did You Know?

Fluorine is the most electronegative element, meaning it has the greatest ability to attract electrons in a chemical bond. This property makes it extremely reactive and why it's never found as a free element in nature.

4.6 Elements in Period 3

Overview of Period 3 Elements

ElementSymbolAtomic NumberGroupBlockElectron Configuration
SodiumNa111s-block[Ne]3s1s^1
MagnesiumMg122s-block[Ne]3s2s^2
AluminumAl1313p-block[Ne]3s2s^23p1p^1
SiliconSi1414p-block[Ne]3s2s^23p2p^2
PhosphorusP1515p-block[Ne]3s2s^23p3p^3
SulfurS1616p-block[Ne]3s2s^23p4p^4
ChlorineCl1717p-block[Ne]3s2s^23p5p^5
ArgonAr1818p-block[Ne]3s2s^23p6p^6

s-Block Elements (Na, Mg)

Sodium (Na)

  • Properties: Soft, silvery metal, highly reactive
  • Reactions: Violent with water, forms Na⁺ ions
  • Uses: Sodium vapor lamps, NaOH production
  • Compounds: NaCl (table salt), Na2a_2CO3O_3 (soda ash)

Magnesium (Mg)

  • Properties: Light, strong metal, less reactive than Na
  • Reactions: Reacts with steam, forms Mg2g^2⁺ ions
  • Uses: Alloys, flares, reducing agent
  • Compounds: MgO (refractory), Mg(OH)₂ (antacid)

p-Block Elements (Al to Ar)

Aluminum (Al)

  • Properties: Lightweight, good conductor, amphoteric
  • Reactions: Forms protective oxide layer
  • Uses: Aircraft, beverage cans, electrical wiring
  • Compounds: Al2O3Al_2O_3 (alumina), Al(OH)3Al(OH)_3

Silicon (Si)

  • Properties: Metalloid, semiconductor
  • Structure: Giant covalent structure
  • Uses: Computer chips, solar cells, glass
  • Compounds: SiO2SiO_2 (sand/quartz), SiCSiC (carborundum)

Phosphorus (P)

  • Allotropes: White (reactive), red (stable), black (semiconductor)
  • Reactions: White P ignites in air
  • Uses: Fertilizers, matches, detergents
  • Compounds: P4O10P_4O_{10}, H3PO4H_3PO_4 (phosphoric acid)

Sulfur (S)

  • Allotropes: S8S_8 (ring structure)
  • Properties: Yellow solid, brittle
  • Uses: Vulcanization of rubber, sulfuric acid
  • Compounds: SO2SO_2, H2SO4H_2SO_4, H2SH_2S

Chlorine (Cl)

  • Properties: Greenish-yellow gas, strong oxidizing agent
  • Reactions: Forms HClHCl with hydrogen
  • Uses: Disinfection, bleach, PVC production
  • Compounds: NaClNaCl, HClHCl, CaOCl2CaOCl_2 (bleaching powder)

Argon (Ar)

  • Properties: Colorless, odorless, inert gas
  • Uses: Inert atmosphere, welding, lighting
  • Compounds: Essentially none (noble gas)
PropertyNaMgAlSiPSClAr
Atomic radiusLargestLargeMediumSmallSmallSmallSmallestSmallest
Ionization energyLowMediumMediumHighHighHighHighestHighest
ElectronegativityVery lowLowMediumMediumMediumMediumHighVery high
Metallic characterStrongStrongStrongWeakNonmetallicNonmetallicNonmetallicNonmetallic
Oxide characterBasicBasicAmphotericAcidicAcidicAcidicAcidicNone

Oxide Properties

ElementOxideNaturepH of Solution
SodiumNa2ONa_2OBasicHigh pH (alkaline)
MagnesiumMgOMgOBasicHigh pH (alkaline)
AluminumAl2O3Al_2O_3AmphotericNeutral (can act as acid or base)
SiliconSiO2SiO_2AcidicLow pH (neutral in water)
PhosphorusP4O10P_4O_{10}AcidicLow pH (acidic)
SulfurSO3SO_3AcidicLow pH (acidic)
ChlorineCl2O7Cl_2O_7AcidicVery low pH (strong acid)

SPM Exam Tips

For Period 3 elements:

  • Understand the transition from metallic to nonmetallic character
  • Memorize oxide properties and their pH
  • Know the physical states and key properties
  • Practice writing reactions for each element

4.7 Transition Elements

Characteristics of Transition Elements

Definition

Transition Elements: Elements in Groups 3-12 with incomplete d subshells in their ground state or common oxidation states.

General Properties

PropertyDescriptionExample
Variable Oxidation StatesMultiple stable oxidation statesFe: +2, +3
Colored CompoundsMost compounds are coloredCu2u^2⁺: blue, Fe2e^2⁺: green
Catalytic ActivityMany act as catalystsFe in Haber process
High Melting/Boiling PointsStrong metallic bondingW: 3422°C
High DensityClose-packed structuresOs: 22.59 g/cm3m^3
ParamagnetismUnpaired electrons attract magnetic fieldFe, Ni, Co

First Row Transition Elements

ElementSymbolAtomic NumberCommon Oxidation StatesColor of Ion
ScandiumSc21+3Colorless
TitaniumTi22+2, +3, +4Purple (Ti3i^3⁺), Yellow (Ti4i^4⁺)
VanadiumV23+2, +3, +4, +5Violet (V2V^2⁺), Green (V3V^3⁺)
ChromiumCr24+2, +3, +6Blue (Cr2r^2⁺), Green (Cr3r^3⁺)
ManganeseMn25+2, +3, +4, +6, +7Pink (Mn2n^2⁺), Purple (MnO4O_4⁻)
IronFe26+2, +3Green (Fe2e^2⁺), Yellow (Fe3e^3⁺)
CobaltCo27+2, +3Pink (Co2o^2⁺), Blue (Co3o^3⁺)
NickelNi28+2, +3Green (Ni2i^2⁺)
CopperCu29+1, +2Blue (Cu2u^2⁺)
ZincZn30+2Colorless

Important Transition Elements

Iron (Fe)

Properties:

  • Most common transition metal
  • Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity
  • Forms magnetic compounds
  • Corrodes easily in moist air

Compounds:

  • FeOFeO: Iron(II) oxide - basic
  • Fe2O3Fe_2O_3: Iron(III) oxide - basic
  • FeCl2FeCl_2: Iron(II) chloride - green
  • FeCl3FeCl_3: Iron(III) chloride - brown
  • FeSO47H2OFeSO_4·7H_2O: Green vitriol - light green crystals

Uses:

  • Steel production (alloy with carbon)
  • Hemoglobin in blood
  • Magnets
  • Catalyst in Haber process

Copper (Cu)

Properties:

  • Excellent conductor of electricity and heat
  • Resistant to corrosion
  • Reddish-brown metal
  • Low reactivity

Compounds:

  • CuOCuO: Copper(II) oxide - black
  • Cu2OCu_2O: Copper(I) oxide - red
  • CuSO45H2OCuSO_4·5H_2O: Blue vitriol - blue crystals
  • Cu(OH)2Cu(OH)_2: Copper(II) hydroxide - blue gelatinous precipitate

Uses:

  • Electrical wiring
  • Plumbing
  • Coinage
  • Catalysis
  • Antimicrobial applications

Zinc (Zn)

Properties:

  • Bluish-white metal
  • Low melting point
  • Galvanization protection for iron

Compounds:

  • ZnOZnO: Zinc oxide - white, used in creams and paints
  • ZnSZnS: Zinc sulfide - used in phosphors
  • ZnCO3ZnCO_3: Smithsonite - zinc ore

Uses:

  • Galvanizing steel
  • Batteries (Zn-C, Zn-Ag)
  • Alloys (brass, bronze)
  • Die-casting

Catalytic Properties

Industrial Catalysts

CatalystReactionUses
Iron (FeFe)N2+3H22NH3N_2 + 3H_2 \rightleftharpoons 2NH_3Haber process (ammonia)
Vanadium(V) oxide2SO2+O22SO32SO_2 + O_2 \rightleftharpoons 2SO_3Contact process (sulfuric acid)
Platinum (PtPt)4NH3+5O24NO+6H2O4NH_3 + 5O_2 \rightarrow 4NO + 6H_2OOstwald process (nitric acid)
Nickel (NiNi)C=C + H2H_2 \rightarrow C-CHydrogenation of oils
Manganese(IV) oxide2KClO32KCl+3O22KClO_3 \rightarrow 2KCl + 3O_2Laboratory oxygen preparation

Biological Catalysts

Many transition metals are essential in biological systems:

  • Iron: Hemoglobin (oxygen transport)
  • Copper: Enzymes involved in respiration
  • Zinc: Carbonic anhydrase (CO2O_2 transport)
  • Magnesium: Chlorophyll (photosynthesis)

Key Terms

  • Transition Elements: Elements with incomplete d subshells
  • Variable Oxidation States: Multiple possible charge states
  • Catalyst: Substance that increases reaction rate
  • Paramagnetism: Attraction to magnetic fields

SPM Exam Tips

For transition elements:

  • Remember the common oxidation states for each element
  • Know the characteristic colors of their compounds
  • Understand catalytic applications in industry
  • Practice identifying which elements are transition metals

Summary

This chapter has explored the periodic table and its organization:

  1. Historical Development: From Dobereiner to Mendeleev to modern table
  2. Modern Organization: Periods, groups, blocks, and their significance
  3. Periodic Trends: Atomic radius, ionization energy, electronegativity
  4. Group 18: Noble gases with filled valence shells
  5. Group 1: Alkali metals with high reactivity
  6. Group 17: Halogens with high electronegativity
  7. Period 3: Transition from metallic to nonmetallic character
  8. Transition Elements: Variable oxidation states and catalytic properties

Understanding the periodic table is essential for predicting chemical behavior and explaining why elements have specific properties.


Practice Tips for SPM Students

  • Create a periodic table trend summary chart
  • Practice identifying elements in different groups and periods
  • Work through periodic trend calculations
  • Memorize key properties of important groups
  • Review laboratory applications of transition metals