If you noticed on the periodic table there are numbers on the left side of each row, we call those periods. The numbers represent the number of energy shells each element has. So when there are elements in the same row, it signifies that those elements have the same number of energy shells as each other. There are a total of 18 groups in the periodic table. The numbers at the top of every vertical column next to a letter, count the number of valence electrons. So elements in the same vertical column share the same amount of valence electrons.

Families and Periods 

Role of Protons

The role of a proton is to identify the element. A proton dictates the identity of the element because every element has a different number of protons. So, therefore, the number of protons increases going from left to right, then moving down a row, and then going left to right again. There is the same number of protons and electrons in an element, so these elements are automatically broken up into groups because the valence electrons separate the elements. To identify the number of protons an element has, you have to look at the atomic number, which is the very top number in the element box. Protons also have a positive charge along with a mass of 1 AMU. 

Metals, Non-metals, and Metalloids are the three elemental properties in the periodic table. Metals are conductors, ductile, malleable, and have luster. Nonmetals are insulators, brittle, and dull. Lastly, Metalloids have properties of both metals and nonmetals. The characteristics including the word "semi" also belong to metalloids. This periodic table is color coded, the blue represents the metals, and as you can see they are towards the center of the periodic table and takes up most of it. Next is the pink, the pink represents the metalloids. The location of the metalloids is called a "staircase" because the elements look like they are descending like a staircase. The purple represents nonmetals, which are located most likely on the right side of the periodic table. 

Elemental Properties

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the number of electrons on the outermost shell of an atom. In a periodic table, you can find the number of valence electrons when looking for the different groups in periodic table. On top of the elements, there are numbers 1-15, right underneath there are numbers and the letter A or B next to them. That number represents the number of valence electrons in each element. In an atom, the first ring can only hold two electrons. The second, third, and other numbers moving forward can hold up to eight electrons at most. When the outermost shell DOES NOT reach its maximum capacity, the atom is reactive. When the outermost shell of the element DOES reach its maximum capacity, it is non-reactive.

Family Names

There are nine families in the periodic table. Alkali Metals, Alkaline Earth Metals, Transition Metals, Boron Family, Carbon family, Nitrogen family, Oxygen Family, Halogens, and Noble gases. They are spread all over the periodic table varying from each group.

First is the Alkali Metals, the Alkali Metals are the most reactive elements in the periodic table because they only have one valence electron. They are located in the first group of the periodic table, excluding Hydrogen. When these elements react with acids they form salt and water. They are also very high in electrical and thermal conductivity. They are also shiny, ductile, and malleable. The elements in this family are Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium, Cesium, and Francium. In a banana there is potassium and also your cellular devices depend on lithium-ion batteries too! 

Alkali Metals

Alkaline Earth Metals

Alkaline Earth Metals are located in the second group in the periodic table. This group is less reactive than the Alkaline Metals but more reactive than the other groups in the periodic table. Because they are in the second group in the periodic table they only have two valence electrons, which make them reactive. The elements Beryllium, Magnesium, Calcium, Strontium, Barium, and Radium are Alkaline Earth Metals. Alkaline Metals are often considered "cousins" with Alkaline Earth Metals, so they're both high in electrical and thermal conductivity. Also, they are malleable, shiny, and ductile. Often found in homes, there are Calcium supplements that help your body to main healthy and strong bones. Other things such as mineral water, where Magnesium helps provide your body from different types of diseases.

Transition Metals

Transition Metals take up almost half of the periodic table. They are located throughout groups three through twelve. Like other metals, they are great conductors of heat and electricity, malleable, shiny, and ductile. Elements in this family are reactive, but not as much as the Alakine Metals nor the Alkaline Earth Metals. Unlike some other families, this family is usually very hard and tough, so it's used in the construction and manufacturing industries. Transition Metals also have a large ratio of charge to the radius which is why they're hard and have high densities. Cobalt, Iron, and Nickel are a few of the many elements in this family. Iron which is found in almost every home makes up utensils, vehicles, and even your own blood! Another element which you can find in your everyday life is Silver. Silver makes jewelry and even mirrors. 

Boron Family

The Boron family is located in group thirteen. Each element in this family is made up of three valance electrons. Because they have three valence electrons, this makes this family reactive. Elements in this family include Boron, Aluminum, Gallium, Indium, and Thallium. Out of the five elements in this family, Boron is the only metalloid. Metals are good conductors of electricity, ductile, shiny, and malleable. Boron is a poor conductor and has both properties of metals and non-metals. The elements dissolve in molten metal and react with hot nitric acid when in powder form. This family has a low density and is very lightweight. Aluminum is very commonly used such as foil and cans. Borax helps get rid of stains and mold.