1. Tour of the Periodic Table

2. The Main Group Elements
Consist of groups 1,2 and (everything blue)
Electrons are consistent: the elements in each group (column) have the same number of valence electrons

3. Group 1: Alkali Metals
Alkali metals are so named because they are metals that react with water to make alkaline solutions
Have 1 valence electron – that’s 1 electron away from being happy (full shells) so they bond with other elements to get rid of the electron
So highly reactive, they are never found in pure form in nature – always combined with other elements
For example: NaCl (table salt, salt water)
Does not include hydrogen

4. Group 2: Alkaline-Earth Metals
Second most reactive group of elements in the PT
Named alkaline metals because when in solution, they form basic (or alkaline) solutions with a pH above 7.
Have 2 valence electrons – give up 2 electrons by bonding to become HAPPY and get a full outer shell
Best known: calcium – important mineral in human body

5. Group 17: Halogens Halogen – Greek “salt maker” 7 valence electrons
1 electron shy of having a full shell – so VERY REACTIVE
Most reactive element in group – fluorine
React with alkali metals to create salts – i.e. NaCl

6. Group 18: The Noble Gases
Have a full set of electrons in their outermost energy level
UNREACTIVE – stable from full outer shell
Helium used to fill blimps because it is non-flammable, and is lighter than air

7. Hydrogen: Class of Itself
Most common element in universe
With only 1 electron, hydrogen can react with MANY other elements
Component of organic molecules (us), and is used commercially in production of fertilizer

8. Metals, Nonmetals, Metalloids

9. Metals Majority of elements are metals
Excellent conductors of electricity (think of wires – what are they made of?)
Excellent conductors of heat (what does a seat belt feel like in a hot car?)
Ductile – can be squeezed into wire
Malleable – can be hammered or rolled into sheets
Solid (except mercury)

10. Transition Metals Group 3-12
DO NOT have identical outer electron configurations
Not very reactive, often found in nature as pure elements
Good conductors of heat and electricity
Ductile and malleable

11. Nonmetals Elements to the right of the line are nonmetals
Have properties opposite those of metals
Brittle, non conductors of heat and electricity
Some are liquid

12. Metalloids Along staircase border Cross between metals and nonmetals
Act as semi-conductors – useful in computer chip industry i.e. silicon (Silicon Valley)