Groups/Families The vertical columns of the periodic table correspond to the groups or families of chemicals Really useful information when combined with other periodic trends

Alkali Metals 1st column: Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr Have one valance electron Not found alone in nature React violently with water to produce H2 gas and a strong base (OH-) Strong bases have a high pH Na and K are crucial for nerve impulse

Alkaline-Earth Metals 2nd column: Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra Two valence electrons Not found alone in nature React strongly with water to produce H2 gas and a strong base Base is not as strong – lower pH

Transition Metals Middle section of the periodic table Some are found alone in nature Number of valence electrons vary somewhat, but is generally 2. Likes to lose electrons to form positive ions Has the most malleable, ductile and conductive elements

Lanthanide and Actinide Series Inner Transition Metals Named because they begin with La and Ac Fit between the Alkaline Earth and Transition Metals, but are placed below to save space All Actinides are radioactive Cerium, a Lanthanide, is quite common.

Boron Family B, Al, Ga, In, Tl # 113 3 valence electrons Generally not found alone in nature. Form really stable compounds with oxygen Aluminum is the most common metal on earth

Carbon Family C, Si Ge, Sn, Pb Four valence electrons Can be found alone in nature Carbon is found in more compounds than any other element Organic chemistry Carbon and silicon have different allotropes

Nitrogen Family N,P, As, Sb, Bi 5 valence electrons Can be found alone in nature Nitrogen takes up 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere Nitrogen is found in all living things, but not usually in the most stable form of N2.

Oxygen Group O, S, Se, Te, Po 6 valence electrons Can be found alone in nature Oxygen is required for aerobic respiration Some bacteria use S for anaerobic respiration.

Halogens F, Cl ,Br, I, At 7 valence electrons Not found alone in nature Highly reactive with alkalis form salts. Halo- means salt H + halogen can make a strong acid Used as disinfectants and strengthens teeth (I,Br,Cl and Fl)

Noble Gasses He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn Eight valence electrons Always found alone in nature All occur naturally. Radon is known to cause cancer and can reach high levels in basements of houses. He is used in balloons. All of the gasses can be used to make “neon” lights