Periodic Table

    The periodic table is a table of chemical elements that are arranged in a way of atomic number.  The atomic number of an element is the amount of protons it has.  Protons are a positively charged particle, in the nucleus of an atom.  Depending upon how many protons an element has determines where in the table it is placed.  There are many groups in the periodic table.  The different groups are, metalloids, non metals, alkali metals, alkali earth metals, lanthanoids, actinides, transition metals, and post transition metals.  The different groups are all together, because there put together very similar to each other. 

  On the table above it shows where the different groups sit in the table, and the atomic numbers.  The atomic numbers are the ones that are just below the symbols in the little boxes.  This is a good example because is highlights all the groups and shows how they group together due to their similar traits.  The periodic table is very interesting and very easy to understand once you get used to it. Now I will go through each group and tell you some of the traits, or characteristics of the group.

Alkali Metals-  Alkali metals have the closest similarities throughout the group then any other group.  One example of this is all the metals are soft and have a silvery color.  Alkali metals are also very reactive, so reactive that you will not find them free in nature.

Alkali Earth Metals- These metals are also reactive.  Not as reactive as alkali metals, but they are still very reactive.  They have a +2 charge, which means they loose two electrons and can form very strong bonds with other elements.  They are usually a shiny color, and are soft with a high melting point.  The Alkali Earth Metals burn in very bright colors and are usually used in fireworks.

Transition Metals-  These metals are very hard and have a high melting and boiling point.  Unlike most metals transition metals have their valence electrons in more than one shell.  The valence electrons are what are used to combined with other elements.  The transition metal family are the only known elements to create a magnetic field.

Post Transition Metals- These are a softer metal that has a lower boiling and melting point than transition metals, but they have a higher electronegativity.

Metalloids- Metalloids have properties of both metals and non metals.  They have a shiny luster, some degree of mailability and have an ability to conduct electricity. 

Lanthanide- All members of the series have similar chemical properties. In nature, they are found together in the same minerals and it is difficult to separate them into individual elements.

Actinide- These elements all have a high oxidation numbers and are all radioactive.