1.2 The Periodic Table

In this module, you will explore the structure, development and patterns of the periodic table. You will learn how the periodic table is organised into groups and periods, and how early scientists developed ways to classify elements. You will discover how Dmitri Mendeleev improved earlier versions of the periodic table by arranging elements according to their properties, leaving gaps for undiscovered elements and predicting their characteristics. You will investigate the differences between metals and non-metals and learn how electronic structure explains why metals tend to form positive ions while non-metals form negative ions, leading to different types of bonding and properties.

You will also study important groups within the periodic table, including the noble gases in Group 0 and why their full outer shells make them very unreactive, the highly reactive alkali metals in Group 1 and how their reactivity changes down the group, and the halogens in Group 7, exploring patterns in their properties and displacement reactions. Finally, you will investigate the transition metals and discover how their lower reactivity, high melting points and ability to form coloured compounds make them useful in many chemical processes.