Metals

Where are most metals located on the periodic table?

Metals are found on the left and center of the periodic table.

Where are non-metals located on the periodic table?

Non-metals are found on the right-hand side of the periodic table.

What are the two broad categories of metals?

Highly reactive metals in groups 1 and 2, and the transition metals in the center of the periodic table.

How reactive are transition metals compared to group 1 and 2 metals?

Transition metals are generally less reactive than metals in groups 1 and 2.

What do metals do when they react to achieve a full outer energy level?

Metals lose electrons.

Why do metals lose electrons when they react?

To achieve a stable electronic structure like a group 0 noble gas with a full outer energy level.

How many electrons do lithium atoms have?

Lithium atoms have three electrons.

How many electrons do sodium atoms have?

Sodium atoms have eleven electrons.

How many electrons are in the outer energy level of lithium and sodium?

Both have one electron in their outer energy level.

What happens to lithium and sodium atoms when they react?

They lose their one outer electron.

After losing an electron, which noble gas electronic structure does lithium resemble?

Helium.

After losing an electron, which noble gas electronic structure does sodium resemble?

Neon.

How many electrons does aluminium have in its outer energy level?

Aluminium has three electrons in its outer energy level.

What happens to aluminium atoms when they react?

Aluminium loses its three outer electrons to achieve a full outer energy level.

What overall charge does a neutral lithium atom have?

Zero (because positive and negative charges cancel).

What happens to the charge when a lithium atom loses one electron?

It becomes a positive ion with a charge of +1.

What is an ion?

An atom or molecule with an overall electric charge due to loss or gain of electrons.

How do you represent a lithium ion?

With square brackets and a superscript +1, like [Li]+.

Do metals form positive or negative ions?

Metals always form positive ions.

When a sodium atom forms a sodium ion, how many protons and electrons does it have?

11 protons and 10 electrons.

What is the overall charge of the sodium ion?

1

How many outer electrons does beryllium have?

Two outer electrons.

What happens when beryllium reacts?

It loses its two outer electrons.

What is the overall charge of a beryllium ion?

2

What is the general rule for the charge on metal ions?

The charge is positive and equals the number of electrons lost.