1. 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

2. 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

4. 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

6. 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

8. 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.

10. 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

12. 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

14. 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.

16. 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.

18. 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)

20. 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