A period in the periodic table is a row of chemical elements. Each next element in a period has one more proton and is less metallic. There are seven periods in the table of elements. Elements in the same period have the same number of atomic orbital shells

Periods in the periodic table

Families in the periodic table are the vertical columns. Elements in the same families have the same number of valence electrons and similar reactivity with each other. There are 18 groups in the periodic table.

Families in the periodic table

Role of protons

The protons inside an atoms nucleus help build the atoms nucleus. They also attract negatively charged electrons and keep them in orbit of the atom. The number of protons in an atom determine the element of it. This role dictates where it stays in the periodic table because the number of protons is the same as the electrons and the electrons dictate the number of valence electrons and the atoms are placed in order of valence electrons.

Elemental Properties

Metals: Usually solid at room temperature (mercury is an exception) High luster (shiny) Metallic appearance. Good conductors of heat and electricity. They are located from the first column to the 12th column in the periodic table.

Non Metals: Poor conductors of electricity, Poor conductors of heat, Low density, brittle. located in the 14th - last column in the periodic table, there is also one in the first column.
Metalloids: They are found between metals and non metals on the periodic table. They have properties of both metals and non metals. (Next Page)

Elemental Properties

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons increase with each column you go from left to right, therefore, making the reactivity increase as you go further down the periodic table. If the valence electrons are closer to 1 then they are more reactive; the same applies if they are closer to 7. If the valence electrons are 8, they aren't reactive. (Next Page)

Alkali metals

shiny. soft. silvery. highly reactive at standard temperature and pressure. lithium (Li), sodium (Na) potassium (K), Some practical uses may be; Sodium: Hydrogen Peroxide, Potassium: Bananas  

Alkaline Earth Metals