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Year 9

Groups of elements in the periodic table

I can identify and describe properties of some different groups of elements in the periodic table.

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New
New
Year 9

Groups of elements in the periodic table

I can identify and describe properties of some different groups of elements in the periodic table.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Each column of the periodic table is called a group, and each row is called a period.
  2. The periodic table was developed by a Russian scientist called Dimitri Mendeleev.
  3. The periodic table contains all the elements organised into groups and periods, according to their properties.
  4. The elements in the same group in the periodic table have similar properties.
  5. In addition to groups, elements can be divided into non-metals and metals, which include the transition metals.

Common misconception

Elements in the same period have similar properties.

Properties vary across a period; it is elements in the same group that share similar properties.

Keywords

  • Periodic table - is a list of all known elements, ordered by increasing atomic number. It is split into vertical columns called groups, and horizontal rows called periods.

  • Group - is a column on the periodic table that corresponds to the number of electrons in the outer shell of an atom.

  • Period - is a horizontal row on the periodic table. Each period corresponds to a number of shells of electrons in an atom of an element.

  • Transition metals - a group of metals found in the central block of the periodic table.

Highlight the difference between groups and periods to avoid confusion during lessons.
Teacher tip

Equipment

None required.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the periodic table?
A list of all known compounds.
Correct answer: A chart that lists all known elements.
A tool for measuring atomic mass.
A guide to chemical reactions.
A chart of all known molecules.
Q2.
What is the chemical symbol for hydrogen?
Correct Answer: H
Q3.
What is an atom?
Correct answer: The smallest part of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction.
The smallest part of a compound.
A large molecule.
A type of cell.
A mixture of different elements.
Q4.
Why is the periodic table organised in a specific way?
To alphabetise the elements.
Correct answer: To show the relationships and properties of the elements.
To group metals together.
To display elements in order of discovery.
To classify elements by colour.
Q5.
Match the description to the correct type of element.
Correct Answer:metals,Elements that are shiny, conductive and malleable.

Elements that are shiny, conductive and malleable.

Correct Answer:metalloids,Elements that have properties of both metals and non–metals.

Elements that have properties of both metals and non–metals.

Correct Answer:non–metals,Elements that are usually brittle, non–conductive and often dull.

Elements that are usually brittle, non–conductive and often dull.

Q6.
Match the element to the correct statement.
Correct Answer:helium,A non–metal used in balloons to make them float.

A non–metal used in balloons to make them float.

Correct Answer:iron,A metal used in construction.

A metal used in construction.

Correct Answer:oxygen,A non–metal we need to survive (for respiration).

A non–metal we need to survive (for respiration).

Correct Answer:nitrogen,A non–metal that makes up 80% of the air we breathe.

A non–metal that makes up 80% of the air we breathe.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following statements about the periodic table are correct?
Correct answer: The periodic table is organised by increasing atomic number.
Each row in the periodic table is called a group.
Elements in the same group have different properties.
Each column in the periodic table is called a period.
Correct answer: The periodic table was developed by Dimitri Mendeleev.
Q2.
Which of the following statements about elements in the same group is correct?
They have the same number of electron shells.
Correct answer: They have similar chemical properties.
They have the same atomic number.
They are always metals.
They have the same number of protons.
Q3.
Dimitri developed the periodic table, organising elements by their properties.
Correct Answer: Mendeleev
Q4.
Which of the following did Dimitri Mendeleev do when developing the periodic table?
Correct answer: He organised elements by increasing atomic weight.
Correct answer: He grouped elements with similar properties.
He discovered the electron.
Correct answer: He left gaps for undiscovered elements.
He created the modern periodic law.
Q5.
Which statement of the following statements about the transition metals is correct?
They are found in Group 1 of the periodic table.
They have similar properties to non–metals.
Correct answer: They are located in the central block of the periodic table.
They have very low melting points.
They are all gases at room temperature.
Q6.
Match the following elements to their group.
Correct Answer:francium,Group 1

Group 1

Correct Answer:calcium,Group 2

Group 2

Correct Answer:boron,Group 3

Group 3

Correct Answer:carbon,Group 4

Group 4

Correct Answer:fluorine,Group 7

Group 7

Correct Answer:argon,Group 0

Group 0