
Indroduction

Families and Periods
The horizontal columns on the periodic table are called groups or families and the vertical columns on the periodic table are called periods. Each family has similar chemical and physical properties. They also share the same number of valence electron (electrons on the outermost shell of an atom). Groups 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 can also be known as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 to help us know the amount of valence electrons. For example, the element B is in Group "3" , so we know that there are 3 valence electrons in the element Boron. Each period shares the same number of electron shells. So for example, the element Ca is in period 4, which means that there are 4 electron shells in Calcium. We will only be looking at Groups 1, 2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 because groups 3-12 are transition metals.


Role of Protons
Protons are the positively charged particles in an atom. They are located in the nucleus and have a mass of around 1 amu. They help hold the nucleus together and they also determine the atomic number in an element. The number of protons determines what element it is and where it takes place on the periodic table as they are arranged in order of increasing protons. If you know the number of protons in an atom, you will also know the number of electrons, because in order to be a balanced element, you need to have the same number of positive (protons) and negative (electrons) charges.

Metals, Non-metals, and Metalloids
All of the elements on the Periodic Table are classified as metals, non-metals, or metalloids. Metals are usually malleable, lustrous, good conductors of electricity, ductile, they mostly have high melting points, and they are also good conductors of heat. Non-metals are mostly poor conductors of heat and electricity, brittle, little or no luster, and very dull. Metalloids are a mix of metals and non-metals, and they have a metallic luster, low elasticity, opaque, and are semi conductors of electricity. On the Periodic Table, the metals are located to the left of the ladder (except hydrogen), the non-metals are located to the right of the ladder, and the metalloids are the elements directly adjacent to the ladder.

Valence Electrons and Reactivity
Valence electrons are the outermost electrons in the electron shell in an atom. They determine how reactive an element is. All of the groups on the Periodic Table are reactive, except group 18 (noble gases) because all of the elements in group 18 have a full outer energy level. Hence, they don't react as they are already stable. The elements on the outer periodic table (left and right, except group 18) are more reactive than as you move into the middle. So potassium would be more reactive than carbon. If elements are on opposite sides, they want to react with each other. For example, lithium and fluorine want to react the most quickly as they are on the opposite sides of the table (except group 18).
Chemical Families





Alkali Metals
Alkali metals are present in Group 1 of the periodic table and they are lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium. Some chemical and physical properties of alkali metals are that they are usually shiny, soft, silvery, very reactive, have low density, become dull when exposed to air, and are good conductors of heat and electricity. Alkali metals have only 1 valence electrons. We use lithium in some rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries such as in phones, laptops, electric vehicles, toys etc. We use sodium chloride in table salt, whether to sprinkle it on your fries or to put it in your everyday meals. Potassium is a mineral which is essential for your body, and some food that contain potassium are bananas and sweet potatoes. So you may not realize it, but we eat and use many of these alkali metals everyday.





Alkali Earth Metals
Alkali Earth metals are present in Group 2 of the periodic table and they are beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium. Some chemical and physical properties are that they are silvery-white, shiny, somewhat reactive metals at standard temperature and pressure, have low densities, good conductors of heat and electricity, and malleable. This group has 2 valence electrons. We consume calcium everyday to get nutrition for our bodies so that we can have strong bones. Milk and cheese are some of the food that contain calcium. We use magnesium on special occasions for fireworks as it burns hot and fast and creates amazing flames. Barium is used when we go to take X-rays. Barium is poisonous, but you might swallow some barium sulfate if you want to take a clear picture of your digestive tract. It provides a more accurate image of your insides. So whenever you see fireworks, you know that it contains magnesium, an element from the alkali earth metal.





Transition Metals
Transition metals are found in groups 3-12 on the periodic table and some of the examples are titanium, cobalt, copper, gold, and platinum. Some chemical and physical properties of transition metals are that they are usually hard and tough, have somewhat high densities, shiny, have high melting points, and are malleable. We use silver in a jewelry, silverware (like forks and knives), and in electronics. This metal is highly reliable and durable and it also holds an excellent electrical conductivity. We use zinc in batteries, alloys, and even for our health as it is believed to help keep our immune systems strong. Iron is also one of the transition metals and you can literally find it everywhere. It makes up steel, magnets, the crust of the earth, and we can even find it in our bodies.





Boron Family
The Boron Group is located in group 13 of the periodic table and it includes boron, aluminum, gallium, indium, and thallium. Boron is a metalloid whereas all the others are metals. Some properties of boron are that it is hard, shiny, brittle, has a high melting point, and is a poor conductor of electricity. The properties of the other metals are that they are shiny, have high electrical and thermal conductivity, are malleable, and are ductile. All of the elements in this group have 3 valence electrons. We use boron in flare guns, fiberglass, and as a rocket fuel igniter. Gallium is used in thermometers to measure high temperatures of the environments and it is used in some solar devices too. We also use aluminum in kitchenware, aluminum foil, power transmission lines, and in cans and packaging. So the next time you use aluminum foil, you know it contains an element from the boron group.
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