How To Read The Periodic Table | Groups & Periods - ChemTalk

The Alkali Metals (Group 1)

The alkali metals consist of all of the elements in group one with the exception of hydrogen. These elements are extremely reactive and for this reason, are usually found in compounds. In addition, they are water-sensitive (they react violently with water), so they must be stored in oil. The most reactive alkali metal is francium and it decreases as you go up the group. This means lithium is the least reactive. Physically, the alkali metal family is silvery, white, and light. They also have low melting and low boiling points.

The Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2)

The alkaline earth metals are the second most reactive family on the periodic table (following behind the alkali metals). Moreover, they are strong reducing agents which means they donate electrons in chemical reactions. They are also good thermal and electrical conductors. Physically, they have low density, low melting point, and a low boiling point.

Rare Earth Metals: Lanthanides

Lanthanides are a family of rare earth metals that contain one valence electron in the 5d shell. They are highly reactive and a strong reducing agent in reactions. Furthermore, they are a silvery-bright metal and are relatively soft. They also have both high melting points and high boiling points. The rare earths include elements like neodymium and erbium.

Rare Earth Metals: Actinides

Actinides are another family of rare earth metals. Like the lanthanides, these elements are highly reactive. They also have high electropositivity and are radioactive. Additionally, these elements contain paramagnetic, pyromorphic, and allotropic properties. Physically, they are very similar to lanthanides. They are silvery metals that are soft, malleable, and ductile.

The Transition Metals (Groups 3-11)

The transition metals typically form two or more oxidation states. They have low ionization energies and high conductivity. In addition, they have high melting points, high boiling points, and high conductivity. Physically they are both metallic and malleable.

Post Transition Metal

The post transition metals are located in between the transition metals and the metalloids. At standard temperature, they are in a solid state of matter. They tend to have a high density as well as high conductivity. Physically they are malleable and ductile.

The Metalloids

The metalloids display properties of both metals and non-metals. For example, metals are good conductors and non-metals are poor conductors. This means metalloids are semiconductors (only conducts electricity at high temperatures.). Also, they are more brittle than metals but less brittle than non-metals. Physically they can be either shiny or dull and are typically ductile and malleable.

The Halogens (Group 17)