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Alkali Metals

Very reactive metals that are never found naturally in pure form, shiny, soft, with low melting points, and react quickly with air and water. Explodes near water and are highly reactive.

Alkaline Earth Metals

Less soft than alkali metals, lustrous, slightly less reactive, never found naturally in pure form, and form compounds that are insoluble in water.

Transition Metals

Largest category; all are solid at room temperature except mercury; moderate reactivity, shiny appearance, malleability, and good conductivity.

Halogens

Most reactive non-metals that are rarely found in elemental form, corrosive, with F and Cl as gases, Br as a liquid, and I as a solid.

Noble Gases

Non-reactive gases that are colorless, odorless, tasteless, and glow when electricity is passed through them.

Lanthanides

Rare earth metals, F-block elements consisting of atomic numbers 57-71.

Actinides

Range of elements from atomic numbers 89-103, mostly radioactive and primarily human-made. F-Block Elements

Hydrogen

A unique element with one electron, highly flammable, reactive, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. When reacting, it can sometimes gain or lose an electron, leading to an unstable electron structure. Main element in living things and fossil fuels.