Explore
Learn: The Periodic Table
Edexcel GCSE Chemistry
Ready to start this lesson?
Sign in to track your progress. 15 steps including 8 interactive questions.
Sign In to Start Learning
Students also studied
Browse allSteps in this lesson (15)
Welcome!Great to see you're ready to dive deeper into the periodic table! You've already studied atomic structure, which is the foundation for understanding the arrangement of elements. Let's build on that knowledge and explore how the periodic table helps organise elements and predict their properties.
What is the periodic table?The periodic table is a chart that organises all known chemical elements based on their atomic number (number of protons). It groups elements with similar properties together and shows trends in their behaviour. This makes it a powerful tool for chemists.
Periods and GroupsThe periodic table is divided into periods (horizontal rows) and groups (vertical columns). Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties because they have the same number of electrons in their outer shell. For example, Group 1 elements are all reactive metals.
Quick check: Elements in the same group have what in common?
Start the lesson to answer this multiple choice question
Metals and Non-metalsElements in the periodic table are broadly classified into metals and non-metals. Metals are found on the left and centre of the table, while non-metals are found on the right. Metals are generally shiny, good conductors of heat and electricity, and malleable. Non-metals have opposite properties, such as being poor conductors and brittle.
Which of the following are properties of metals? (Select all that apply)
Start the lesson to answer this multi-select question
Group TrendsEach group in the periodic table has its own trends. For example, Group 1 (alkali metals) increases in reactivity as you move down the group, while Group 7 (halogens) decreases in reactivity. These trends are linked to the number of electron shells and the attraction between the nucleus and outer electrons.
Group {{blank0}} elements are known as alkali metals, and their reactivity {{blank1}} as you move down the group.
Start the lesson to answer this fill in the blank question
Periodic TrendsThe periodic table also shows trends across periods (rows). For example, as you move left to right across a period, elements tend to become less metallic. Additionally, the atomic size decreases because the nucleus attracts electrons more strongly.
Match the items on the left with their correct pairs on the right
Start the lesson to answer this matching question
Review Time!Great work! You've learned about the organisation of the periodic table, periods and groups, metals and non-metals, and periodic trends. Now let's test your understanding with a few questions.
What happens to the atomic size of elements as you move across a period?
Start the lesson to answer this multiple choice question
Which elements are metals? (Select all that apply)
Start the lesson to answer this multi-select question
Elements in the same {{blank0}} have similar chemical properties because they have the same number of {{blank1}} electrons.
Start the lesson to answer this fill in the blank question
Match the items on the left with their correct pairs on the right
Start the lesson to answer this math equation question
Want to Learn More?
Get personalised lessons, quizzes, and instant feedback from your AI tutor.
Explore More Topics