The periodic table is a table that contains all 118 discovered elements and lists them by the number of protons (atomic number). The table's gridlike pattern helps us to identify an element by its group and period.

Groups are vertical columns and show the number of valence electrons in each element of the group. For example, an element in period 3 would have 3 valence electrons. There are 18 groups including noble gases, and alkali metals. Since elements with the same number of valence electrons have similar chemical properties in atomic bonding, groups can help us identify how an element would react to another. Groups are also referred to as families. 

Periods stretch horizontally and show the number of energy shells an element has. For example, an element in period 2 would have 2 energy shells. The periodic table has 7 periods excluding the lanthanides and actinides which fit themselves into the 6th and 7th periods.

Protons are the subatomic particles that that determine an element's identity, as well as some of its physical and chemical properties. They have a positive charge, and by changing the number of neutrons/electrons can create an isotope or ion of the same element.

Valence electrons are the electrons on the outermost energy shell. They are very important to inner-atom bonding because they directly affect electronegativity and ionization. Different amounts of valence electrons yield different levels of "wanting" to create a stable atom with full electron shells. The closer an atom's outermost energy shell is to being full or empty, the more it "wants" to join with another atom and become chemically stable.

Metals: Metals are located on the left side of the periodic table (with the exception of hydrogen). They are malleable, solid at room temperature, ductile, and conductors of electricity. A few examples include Gold, Silver, and Copper.

Metalloids: Metalloids are located on the staircase starting on Boron and ending on Polonium. They share some characteristics of both Non-Metals and metals as they are semi-conductors, partially malleable, and semi-ductile. Examples include Silicon, Boron, and Arsenic.

Non-Metals: Non-Metals are located

 on the far right of the periodic table and are

mostly gases at room temperature.

When solid, they are dull and brittle.

Examples include Oxygen, Nitrogen,

and Radon.

Periodic Table Families

-Alkali Metals

-Alkaline Earth Metals

-Transition Metals

-Boron Family

-Carbon Family

-Nitrogen Family

-Oxygen Family

-Halogens

-Noble Gases

Alkali Metals

Akali Metals are located in group 1 of the periodic table, which makes them highly reactive. As shown in the name, this family consists of only metals in the leftmost column in the periodic table. These metals are conductors of electricity, solid, ductile, and malleable. They have the unique ability to react to anything in our atmosphere. A few examples include Sodium (the most common alkali metal), Potassium, and Lithium. Due to the reactivity of these metals, Lithium can be used in batteries, and Sodium is combined with Chlorine to form table salt.

Lithium                                       Sodium

Alkaline Earth Metals

Alkaline Earth Metals form group 2 of the periodic table and are reactive due to their 2 valence electrons. Similarly, Alkali Metals, have the same physical properties as metals such as being solid, malleable, ductile and being able to conduct electricity, but they cannot be found in their uncombined form in nature. A few examples include Calcium, Magnesium, and Beryllium. Magnesium helps perform several body functions such as regulating muscle and nerve function. Beryllium is used with copper to make non-sparking tools.

   Beryllium                           Magnesium

Transition Metals

Transition Metals are located in the center region of the periodic table from group 3-12 and have the same properties as other metals being ductile, solid, malleable, and conductors of electricity. They are found almost everywhere in the world and have relatively low levels of reactivity. Examples include Silver, Copper, and Iron. They are what is used for a majority of man-made products, and make up a majority of the periodic table. Titanium is very strong and is used for joint replacements, and Scandium is used primarily for research, but it also is used to make high-performance sports equipment.

Titanium                                           Scandium

Boron Family

The Boron Family is located in group 13 of the periodic table and all elements within it have 3 valence electrons. While Boron itself is a metalloid being a semiconductor, the other elements within the family are considered complete metals and have the same physical properties as other metals being ductile, solid, malleable, and conductors of electricity. These elements are also considered "Post-Transition Metals", and can be found uncombined in nature. A few examples include Aluminum, Boron, and Thallium. Aluminum is known for its malleability which allows it to be used as thin sheets that can easily be shaped as needed. Boron is also used in firework to emit the distinct green flair behind the rocket.

Aluminum                                           Boron