TANJONG KATONG GIRLS’ SCHOOL

Sec 3 Chemistry
Level Notes
Chapter 14: Periodic Table

Lesson Objectives (Done in LSS)

Candidates should be able to:

• describe the Periodic Table as an arrangement of the elements according to

proton (atomic) number.
• describe the change in metallic properties of the elements across a period of
the Periodic Table.
• relate the position of an element in the Periodic Table to its proton number
and electronic structure.
• describe the relationship between group number, number of valence
electrons and metallic/non-metallic properties.

(I) History of the Periodic Table

• Russian chemist: Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev (1834 ̶ 1907)
• Arranged elements in order of increasing atomic masses
• Elements with similar chemical properties fall into the same vertical column

Why is it important to know the

history of the Periodic Table?

Why do you think the Periodic

Table is important in Chemistry?

WATCH!
The genius of Mendeleev's
periodic table - Lou Serico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v
=fPnwBITSmgU

Fig 1: Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev

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(II) General features of the Periodic Table
• The Periodic Table is a list of elements arranged in order of increasing proton
(atomic) number.

Periods

• A period is a horizontal row of elements with the same number of electron

shells.
• Across the same period, the number of outer electrons increases
progressively by one from left to right.

• Each period is numbered 1 to 7. The number of electron shells is the same as

the period number.
Eg: Elements in Period 2 have 2 shells, while elements in Period 3 will have 3
shells.

Groups
• The Periodic Table is divided into eight columns known as groups.
• A group is a vertical column of elements with the same number of valence
electrons.
• The groups are numbered 1, 2, 3, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 from left to right.
• The number of valence electrons is the same as the group number.
• Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties because they
have the same number of valence electrons.

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 Eg Li, Na and K are elements in Group 1.

[ Note: H does not belong to any group]

Trends down a group

• In any group, the following trends can be seen down the group:
 The proton number increases.

 The atoms of the different elements _increase________ (increase/

decrease) in size from one element to the next.

• There is also a gradual change in physical properties (melting point, boiling

point, density) and chemical reactivity of elements down the group.

Transition Elements
• The block of elements between Group 2 and 13 are known as transition
elements. This includes the lanthanoids (proton number 57-71) and actinoids
(proton number 89-103).

• They do not belong to any group.

Group
Period

Transition metals

lanthanoids and
actinoides

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(III) The Periodic Trends
Metallic and Non-metallic properties
• Metals are grouped on the left-hand side and non-metals are grouped on the
right-hand side of the Periodic Table.
• An imaginary diagonal line divides the metals from non-metals.
• Elements located close to the diagonal line (such as Si and Ge) have
properties of a metal and non-metal. They are called metalloids and are
used extensively in the semiconductor industry.

• From left to right across a period, there is a __decrease_______(increase/

decrease) in metallic properties and an _increase________ (increase/
decrease) in non-metallic properties.

• Across a period, there is also a change in the chemical properties of

compounds such as oxides of the elements.

Nature of oxides across a period

• In general,
(i) metals form basic oxides,
(ii) non-metals form acidic oxides
(iii) metals near the dividing line form amphoteric oxides.
• Exceptions: Some metals such as aluminium form amphoteric oxide, Al2O3
and metalloids, silicon, form acidic oxide, SiO2.

[Note: Amphoteric oxides have been taught under the topic acids and alkalis.]

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Quick Check 1
1. There are always 8 elements across each period. (True / False )

Period Number of elements

1 2
2 8
3 8
4 8

2. Group 14 elements are all non-metals. (True / False )

C (carbon) Non-metal
Si (silicon) Nonmetal
Ge (germanium) Metalloid
Sn (tin) Metal
Pb (lead) Metal

3. The Periodic Table shows trends down each group and across each period.

Which trends are true? (put a tick (  ) in one box in each row)

down a group
down a across a
trend and across a
group period
period
The number of electron shells 
increases
The number of valence electrons 
increases
  
Proton number increases

There is a change in character 

from metallic to non-metallic
Nature of oxides change from 
basic to amphoteric to acidic

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Group Number and Charge of the Ions Formed

• Elements in the same group usually form the same type and number of
chemical bonds (either covalent, ionic or metallic bond).

• Example: Group I elements tend to lose one outer shell electrons to form ions.
e.g. Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+. They form ionic compounds with non-metals forming
giant ionic structures. These structures are made up of oppositely-charged
ions held together by strong ionic bonds.

• The charges on the ions formed by elements are related to the Group
number and number of valence electrons:

 Elements on the left side of the Periodic Table are ____________ (metals/
non-metals) which lose all outer electrons to form positive ions.

 Elements on the right side of the Periodic Table _____________ (metals/

non-metals) which gain electrons to form negative ions.

Group 1 2 13 14,15 16 17 18
number
Charge of the +1 +2 +3 Tend to form -2 -1 Do not form
ion formed covalent compounds compounds
Example Na+ Mg2+ Al3+ CH4, PCl5 O2- F- -

• Elements in the same group also form compounds of same chemical formula.

 Example: Group 2 elements form ionic compounds of the formula BeCl2,

MgCl2, CaCl2.
 Example: Group 14 elements form covalent compounds of the formula CH4,
SiH4, GeH4.

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(IV) Group 1 Metals – Alkali Metals

Lesson Objectives
Candidates should be able to:

• describe the physical and chemical properties of Group 1 elements;

• predict the properties of Group 1 elements using the Periodic Table.

Physical Properties of Group I Elements

WATCH!
• Group 1 elements are also known as alkali metals. Lithium, Sodium, Potassium
react with water -
• Group 1 metals are soft and can be cut by a knife. SquiggleMom
Down the group, alkali metals become softer. https://www.youtube.co
• Alkali metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. m/watch?v=QQF61CFO
ySw
• Alkali metals have low densities and low melting points.

Chemical Properties of Group I Elements

• Group 1 elements are the most reactive metals in the Periodic Table.

• They are stored under _oil______ to protect them from corrosion by air and water.

• They are shiny, silvery solids when freshly exposed. (Due to high reactivity of
these metals, a layer of oxide formed always made the metals appear dull.)

• The metallic character of Group 1 metals increases down the group.

Group I Electronic Proton Size of

Metallic character
element configuration number atom

Li 2, 1 increases down the group

Na 2,8,1

K 2,8,8,1
The atomic size increases as more shells are being filled. As outer shell
electrons are further away from the nucleus, the elements have a greater
tendency to __lose______the valence electron to form _positive________
ions. This leads to an increase in metallic character with increasing atomic size.

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Reaction of Group 1 Elements with Water

Record your observations and write the chemical equations for each of the reactions
as you watch the video. The first one has been done for you.

Alkali metals in water (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uixxJtJPVXk)

Element Observation Chemical equation

Reacts quickly.
The metal floats on the surface of water. 2Li(s) + 2H2O(l)
Li
No flame observed. → 2LiOH(aq) + H2(g)

2Na(s) + 2H2O(l)
Reacts faster_.
→ 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
The metal darts around the water surface.
Na Reaction may be explosive.
Hydrogen gas catches fire and burns with
a yellow flame.
2K(s) + 2H2O(l)
Reacts very _fast_.
→ 2KOH(aq) + H2(g)
K The metal darts about the water surface.
Reaction is explosive.
Hydrogen gas catches fire and burns with
a lilac flame.
2Rb(s) + 2H2O(l)
React vigorously and dangerous
→ 2RbOH(aq) + H2(g)
A lot of hydrogen gas produced.
Rb
Hydrogen gas catches fire very easily
A lot of heat produces

2Cs(s) + 2H2O(l)
React vigorously and dangerous
→ 2CsOH(aq) + H2(g)
A lot of hydrogen gas produced.
Cs
Hydrogen gas catches fire very easily
A lot of heat produces

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1. Most group 1 elements are _ less dense ____(denser / less dense ) than water.
2. When group 1 elements react with water, _hydrogen_ gas is given off; the solutions
formed turn universal indicator from green to purple, showing that an _alkaline_
solution is formed. Hence group 1 elements are known as __alkali_ metals. If a
drop of the final solution is placed on a piece of red litmus paper after the reaction,
the litmus paper will turn blue. Likewise, universal indicator turns violet when
added to the solution.
3. Comment on how the reaction of water with group 1 elements varies down the
group.
The reaction with water become faster, more vigorously and more gases and heat
is produced the reactivity of group 1 metal and water increases.

4. Based on the above observations from table and video, predict what will happen
when a piece of francium is placed into water.
Francium reacts extremely dangerous with a lot of heat and a lot of hydrogen gas
produced which ignites easily.

5. Using M to denote the symbol of a Group 1 metal, complete and balance the
equation to represent its reaction with water.

2M(s) + 2H2O(l) → _2MOH_ + _H2___

Quick Check 2
1 Which statement about alkali metals is correct?

A Their melting points decrease on descending the group.

B Their reactivity decreases on descending the group.
C They form covalent bonds with the halogens.
D They form oxides on reacting with water.

2 Elements X and Y have proton numbers of 3 and 11 respectively. Both

elements react with water to liberate hydrogen gas.
Which statement about X and Y is not correct?

A The chlorides of X and Y are molecular.

B X and Y are in the same group of the Periodic Table.
C X and Y both form basic oxides.
D Y is more reactive with water than X.

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(V) Group 17 – The Halogens

Lesson Objectives
Candidates should be able to:

• describe the physical and chemical properties of Group 17 elements;

• predict the properties of Group 17 elements using the Periodic Table.

Introduction

Group 17 elements are also known as halogens. The halogens are non-metals.
They exist as diatomic covalent molecules: F2, Cl2, Br2, I2.

Physical Properties of the Group 17 elements

The table below summarises some physical properties of chlorine, bromine and
iodine.

Element down Melting Boiling Colour Physical state at

Group 17 point point room
/ oC / oC temperature
Fluorine -219 -188 pale yellow Gas
Chlorine -101 -35 greenish-yellow Gas
Bromine -7 59 reddish-brown Liquid
Iodine 114 184 purplish-black Solid

1. Based on the information obtained, comment on the change in colour and

physical states of the elements down Group 17.

The colour become darker down the group.

There is a change from gas to liquid to solid state as mp/bp increases down
the group 17.

2. Why do halogens generally have low melting and boiling points? Account for
the trend in the melting and boiling points.

They have a simple__ _molecular__ structure made up of molecules held

together by weak intermolecular (Van der Waals) forces. Less energy is
needed to overcome these weak intermolecular forces.

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 As the molecules become bigger, the strength of the intermolecular forces
between molecules become _stronger____________. More energy needed to
overcome these weak intermolecular forces. Hence, Cl2 is a gas, Br2 is a liquid
while I2 is a solid.

Quick Check 3
1. Locate the position of astatine in the Periodic Table. Predict the melting point,
boiling point and appearance of astatine at r.t.p.

Melting point/ oC Higher iodine

Boiling point/ oC Higher iodine

Appearance Black

Chemical Properties of Halogens WATCH!

Group 17 - The Halogens | The Chemistry
Journey | The Fuse School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW_C10
cEzMk

• Halogens are the most reactive non-metals.

• They are never found as free atoms under normal conditions (always combined
with other elements). Group 17 non-metals have seven valence electrons. They
need to gain one electron to achieve the noble gas structure. This gives rise to
their high reactivity.

• The Group 17 non-metals become less reactive down the group.

Reason: As the size of the atom increases down the group it become more difficult
to gain electron.

• Why are Group 17 non-metals called halogens?

Halogens refer to “_salt-former__” in Greek.

• Halogens react with most metals to form salts (halides).

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Displacement Reactions in Group 17

The reactivity of each halogens is different. The order of reactivity can be deduced
from the reaction of halogens with other halide ions.

A displacement reaction is one in which a more reactive element will displace a

less reactive element from its aqueous solution.

In this case, a more reactive halogen can displace a less reactive halogen from an
aqueous solution of halide ions.

Record your observations for each of the reactions as you watch the video. The first
one has been done for you.

Halogens: Chemical Displacement

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y06IoBUeVbw)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW2jRyQ3dzo

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 Displacement of Reactions

Halogen Solutions of halides (F -, Cl -, Br -)

added sodium chloride sodium bromide sodium iodide
Chlorine chlorine + sodium bromide chlorine + sodium iodide
• Observation: Colourless solution of • Observation: Colourless solution of
sodium bromide turns reddish-brown. sodium iodide turns brown.

• Reason: Chlorine, being more reactive • Reason: Chlorine, being more reactive
than bromine, displaces bromine from than iodine, displaces iodine from the
the sodium bromide solution. sodium iodide solution.

• Equation: • Equation:
Cl2(aq) +2NaBr(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + Cl2(aq) +2NaI(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + I2(aq)
Br2(aq)
Bromine bromine + sodium chloride bromine + sodium iodide
• Observation: Bromine solution remains • Observation: Colourless solution of
reddish-brown. sodium iodide turns _brown________.
• Reason: Bromine, being more reactive
• Reason: Bromine, being less reactive than iodine, displaces _iodine__ from the
than chlorine, cannot displace chlorine sodium iodide solution.
from the sodium chloride solution.
• Equation:
Br2(aq) +2NaI(aq) → 2NaBr(aq) + I2(aq)

Iodine iodine + sodium chloride iodine + sodium bromide

• Observation: Iodine solution remains • Observation: Iodine solution remains
brown. brown.
Reason: Iodine, being less reactive than • Reason: Iodine, being less reactive than
chlorine, cannot displace chlorine from bromine, cannot displace bromine from
the sodium chloride solution. the sodium bromide solution.

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Quick Check 4
1. Using your knowledge of the halogens and their compounds, which
statement is incorrect?

A Bromine displaces astatine from a solution of potassium astatide.

B Potassium fluoride, potassium bromide and potassium iodide are
coloured substances.
C Hydrogen astatide is a covalent molecule.
D Solid astatine is black in colour.

2. Each of the halogens X2, Y2, Z2, was added to samples of aqueous solutions
containing the ions of the other two halogens. The table shows the results.

halogen X– Y– Z–
X2 ̶ Y2 displaced Z2 displaced
Y2 no reaction ̶ no reaction
Z2 no reaction Y2 displaced ̶

What is the order of reactivity of the halogens?

halogen most reactive → least reactive

A X2 Y2 Z2
B X2 Z2 Y2
C Y2 X2 Z2
D Z2 Y2 X2

3. Sea water contains potassium bromide. Bromine can be produced from sea
water by displacement. Which element should be used to safely displace
bromine from sea water?

A Fluorine
B Chlorine
C Iodine
D Astatine

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(VII) Group 18 - Noble Gases

Lesson Objectives
Candidates should be able to:

• describe the Group 18 elements as unreactive;

• describe the lack of reactivity of the noble gases in terms of electronic
structure;
• describe the importance of noble gases in providing an inert atmosphere.

Physical Properties of Noble Gases

• Colourless gases with low melting and boiling point.
• Trend: Melting and boiling point increases down the group.
• Insoluble in water.
• Exist as single atoms (monatomic).

Chemical Properties of Noble Gases

• Besides He which has 2 valence electrons, the others have 8 valence
electrons (full outermost electron shell).

• Therefore, they are chemically unreactive and are often called inert gases.
This unreactivity accounts for their uses.

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Uses of Noble Gases
Noble Gas Uses
Helium • Helium is used to fill weather balloons and modern airships
because of its low density. Hydrogen is not used instead as it
is flammable.

• Divers working under water breathe a mixture of 80% helium

and 20% oxygen instead of air. Helium is used in preference
to nitrogen because it is less soluble in blood than nitrogen.
Nitrogen, when dissolved in blood, can cause a
decompression sickness called the ‘bends’.

Neon • Neon is used in advertising strip lights. When an electric

current is passed through neon gas, it gives out an orange-
red glow. The wide range of colours of ‘neon lights’ is
obtained by varying the mixture of noble gases in the tube.
Argon • Argon is used to fill light bulbs. It provides an inert
atmosphere to help protect the filament (tungsten) from
oxidation in air.

• Argon is also used in the manufacture of steel. It is used to

flush air out of the hot molten steel and protect it from reaction
with air.

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(VIII) Transition Elements

Lesson Objectives
Candidates should be able to:
• describe properties of the transition elements;
• state that many transition elements and their compounds are good
catalysts.

Physical Properties of Transition Elements

• They are metals with high densities, high melting and boiling points.

Element Melting point (oC) Density (g/cm3)

Titanium (Ti) 1660 4.5

Vanadium (V) 1917 6.1

Chromium (Cr) 1857 7.9

Manganese (Mn) 1244 7.2

Iron (Fe) 1537 7.9

Cobalt (Co) 1494 8.7

Nickel (Ni) 1455 8.9

Copper (Cu) 1084 8.9

Chemical Properties of Transition Metals

1. Transition elements have variable oxidation states. Transition elements form

ions with different oxidation states.

Compounds of
Chromium (Cr) Manganese (Mn) Iron (Fe) Copper (Cu)
Common Example Common Example Common Example Common Example
oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation
state state state state
+3 CrCl3 +2 MnCl2 +2 FeCl2 +1 Cu2O
+6 K2Cr2O7 +4 MnO2 +3 FeCl3 +2 CuSO4
+7 KMnO4

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2. Transition metals form coloured compounds.
• Solutions of their ions in water are always coloured. (Important for salt
analysis).

The table below shows the colours of some common compounds of transition
elements.

Compound Formula Colour of compound

Iron(II) sulfate FeSO4.7H2O Green

Iron(III) chloride FeCl3.6H2O Yellow

Potassium
KMnO4 Purple
manganate(VII)
Copper(I) oxide Cu2O Reddish-brown
Copper(II) oxide CuO Black

• For transition metals, the colour of the hydrated (crystalline) salts may be
different from the colour of the anhydrous salts.
Eg: Hydrated copper(II) sulfate, CuSO4.5H2O, is blue in colour but
anhydrous copper(II) sulfate, CuSO4, is white.

3. Transition metals and their compounds are good catalysts.

• They are used to speed up chemical reactions.
• Catalysts are important in industry as a chemical product can be produced
at faster rate and a lower fuel cost.

Some examples are summarised in the table below:

Catalyst Reaction Industrial Process

Iron N2 + 3H2 ⇌ 2NH3 Haber process for the manufacture of
ammonia

Nickel Addition of H2 to C=C bonds Manufacture of margarine from

vegetable oil

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Quick Check 5
1. Which property is not typical of transition metals?

A They form coloured compounds.

B They have high melting points.
C They have low densities.
D They show variable oxidation states.

2. Which statement about transition metals is correct?

A Transition metals are coloured.

B Only transition metals form coloured compounds.
C All transition metals form coloured compounds.
D Most transition metals form ions with different charges.

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20
 Summary on trends down Group 1 (metals) and Group 17 (non-metals)

Trends DOWN the group

Group Melting Point & Density Colour Chemical Important reactions to
Boiling Point Reactivity remember
Group 1 Down the group, Low density Silvery colour Down the group, reactivity Reacts with water to form
mp/bp decreases increases alkaline solution (soluble
Li as metallic Down the As the valence electron gets metal hydroxide) and
bonding becomes group, further away from the positive
hydrogen gas
Na weaker due to the density nucleus, it is easier to be given
sea of electrons increases away to form positive ion
2M(s) + 2H2O(l) →
K are further away as the
2MOH(aq) + H2(g)
from the positive atomic
Rb nucleus mass
- Reacts with oxygen in air to
increases
Cs form a layer of oxide

Fr 4M(s) + O2(g) →2M2O(s)

Down the group, Down the Colour Down the group, reactivity Displacement reactions
Group 17 mp/bp increases group, intensity decreases
as the density increases As the electron is taken into the A more reactive halogen can
F intermolecular increases down the valence shell, it gets firmly displace a less reactive
forces of attraction as the group attracted to the positive nucleus halogen from an aqueous
Cl increases due to molecular of the smaller atom solution of halide ions.
the increase in mass Eg:
Br molecular size increases Cl2(aq) +2NaI(aq) →
2NaCl(aq) + I2(aq)
I

At

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