The Periodic Table: Reaction Patterns

This is the Periodic Table of all the elements that have been discovered to date (click on the image to see a larger version).

The Periodic Table is separated in horizontal rows called periods and vertical columns called groups.

• Group 1 (the first column) metals are the Alkali Metals. There are many similarities between them, but they are not identical. From top to bottom the alkali metals are: Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium and Caesium. As we move down Group 1 the reactivity (and the density) of the alkali metals increases. All alkali metals produce a metal hydroxide when they react with water. The general chemical equation is:

alkali metal + water  →  metal hydroxide + hydrogen 

• Group 2 metals show a different trend to that of the alkali metals. Magnesium and Calcium burn vigorously in air producing differently coloured bright flames. These metals also react with acids and give similar products to Group 1; these reactions are dealt with in other activities.
• Group 7 elements are called the Halogens (meaning "salt-formers" for when they react with metals).
• Group 8 elements are called the Noble Gases. In the Periodic Table above the Noble Gases are shown as Group 18 and sometimes they are called Group 0 elements. The Noble Gases are generally very unreactive. 

The patterns in the Periodic Table exist because of the structure of the elements. Atoms of elements have a nucleus with protons and neutrons, and electrons orbit the nucleus in shells. Elements in the same groups have the same number of electrons in their outer shells. This determines their reaction patterns.

Lots of info - see how you can use it in this activity.