The common modern periodic table is organized by atomic number (thanks, Mosley!). From there we classify metals vs. non-metals (and metalloids) and group elements into Families like Alkali Metals, Halogens, and Noble Gases. Groups vs. Periods : Groups are the COLUMNS (vertical, up-down). Periods are the ROWS (horizontal, side-to-side) . Metals vs. Non-Metals The first big grouping within the modern Periodic Table is whether an element is a metal, non-metal, or metalloid (semi-metal).
1. Metals: Physical Properties:
Good conductors of electricity and heat
Solid at room temperature (Except Hg)
Malleable and ductile (easily formed into shapes)
Lusterous (shiny, shiny, shiny)Chemical Properties: Chemical Properties:
Tend to have 1, 2, or 3 valence electrons (said it before, will say it again - for Main Group elements the number of valence electrons matches the Group A number!)
Quick (and happy) to give up valence electrons to form CATIONS
2. Nonmetals :
Physical Properties
Poor conductors of electricity and heat
Solid, Liquid or Gasat room temperature
Solids are brittle when smacked (generally)
Kind of dull, though can be colorful!
Chemical Properties:
Tend to have 1, 2, or 3 valence electrons (said it before, will say it again - for Main Group elements the number of valence electrons matches the Group A number!)
Quick (and happy) to give up valence electrons to form CATIONS