The Periodic Table and Properties of Elements

Alkali Metals

The elements in this family are the most reactive metals, and are especially reactive with water and oxygen. These elements are found in the first group on the periodic table. They are often used in fireworks.

Alkaline Earth Metals

The elements in this family are the second most reactive metals. They are found in the second group of the periodic table. Calcium, in this family, is found in your bones.

Transition Metals

The elements in this family are found in the center of the periodic table (groups 3-12). They are malleable and ductile and the least reactive of the metals. They are used in jewelry and to make wires.

Rare Earth Metals

The elements in this family are also known as the lanthanides and actinides. They are located below the rest of the table, and most are radioactive.

Other Nonmetals

The elements in this family are mostly gases, solids are dull and brittle, and vary a great deal. They are found in groups 14-16 above the zig-zag line.

Halogens

The elements in the family that react with the alkali metals to create salts, most reactive nonmetals. Found in group 17.

Noble Gases

The elements in the family that almost never react with any other elements. Found in Group 18.

Metalloids

The elements in this group have properties of metals and nonmetals. Often used in semi-conductors, found along the zig-zag line in the periodic table.

Period

One row from left to right on the periodic table.

Group

One column from top to bottom on the periodic table.

Conductivity

The physical property measuring how much electricity a material can carry

Reactivity

The chemical property measuring how quickly a substance chemically bonds with another substance.

Malleability

The physical property measuring how much a material can be bend or hammered without breaking.

Ductility

The physical property measuring how much a material can be stretched without breaking

Luster

The physical property measuring how much shine a material has

Noble gases

Which family is almost nonreactive?

Alkali Metals

Which family is the most reactive metals?

Alkaline Earth Metals

Which family is the second most reactive metals?

Calcium

Which element is in period 4, group 2?

Left to right

Periods go in which direction?

Top to bottom

Groups go in which direction?

7

How many periods are shown on the periodic table?

18

How many groups are shown on the periodic table?

Halogens

Which family is the most reactive nonmetal family?

Reactive

Are metals reactive or nonreactive?

Conductive

Are metals conductive or nonconductive?

Nonconductive

Are nonmetals conductive or nonconductive?

Brittle

Are nonmetals brittle or malleable?

Dull

Are nonmetals dull or lustrous?

Lustrous

Are metals dull or lustrous?

Metals

Would you make a wire out of nonmetals or metals?

Metals

Would you conduct electricity through nonmetals or metals?

Nonmetals

Would you insulate (cover) a wire with metals or nonmetals?

Metals

Would you make shiny jewelry out of nonmetals or metals?