Ch 8: Understanding Elements & Periodicity
About This Chapter
Understanding Elements & Periodicity - Chapter Summary
In this chapter, you'll learn how to read the periodic table like a map after you understand how it is organized. The concept of atomic mass will be introduced, and you will learn how to calculate it. You'll also find out about valence electrons and how to identify the most important information about electrons on the periodic table.
Next, you will learn about more trends on the periodic table--atomic size, ionization and electronegativity, as well as the diagonal relationship, metallic character and boiling point. The importance of balanced chemical equations will be discussed, and you'll learn how to write your own balanced equations. The chapter ends with a comparison between the major metals and elements on the periodic table for your review. Once you have completed this chapter, you'll be able to:
- Understand how the elements are organized on the periodic table
- Identify the atomic characteristic that plays a major role in the chemical properties of elements
- Utilize the information on the periodic table quickly
- Predict the relative size of an atom based on where its located on the periodic table
- Understand what happens to an atom under radiation
- Balance chemical equations
- Identify trends on the periodic table
Use our short, engaging video lessons and quizzes to refresh your knowledge of a topic or learn something new. Each video is accompanied by a quiz so you can test your knowledge of the material. If you need to watch just one portion of a video lesson over again, use the video tabs feature in the Timeline to jump to the section you'd like to review.
1. The Periodic Table: Properties of Groups and Periods
How is the periodic table like the map you used on your last road trip? In this lesson, you will be introduced to the periodic table, the road map of chemists. We will discuss how the elements are organized and how you can use this organization to identify some of their major physical properties.
2. What is Atomic Mass? - Definition & Examples
Atomic mass is a characteristic of an atom that is a measure of its size. It is plays a major role in the chemical properties of elements. This article discusses atomic mass and how it is calculated.
3. Valence Electrons and Energy Levels of Atoms of Elements
The periodic table contains a wealth of information. This lesson will explain how to use it to quickly determine the most useful information about the most important electrons. We will be focusing our discussion on valence electrons and energy levels.
4. Atomic and Ionic Radii: Trends Among Groups and Periods of the Periodic Table
Atoms are VERY tiny. How do we measure their size? This lesson will explain how the size of an atom is measured and teach you how to predict the relative size of an atom based on where it is located on the periodic table.
5. Ionization Energy: Trends Among Groups and Periods of the Periodic Table
Do you know someone who has undergone radiation as a form of cancer treatment? Have you ever thought about why X-rays have health risks? Watch the video to find out what these types of radiation are really doing to atoms, define ionization energy and identify ionization trends on the periodic table.
6. Electronegativity: Trends Among Groups and Periods of the Periodic Table
How is fluorine like a child that doesn't share his or her toys? Find out in this video on electronegativity where we will discuss group and periodic trends among the elements.
7. Balanced Chemical Equation: Definition & Examples
A chemical equation shows the chemical formulas of substances that are reacting and the substances that are produced. The number of atoms of the reactants and products need to be balanced. In this lesson, we will discuss balancing chemical equations.
8. The Diagonal Relationship, Metallic Character, and Boiling Point
What may have once seemed like a bunch of random squares with letters in them is now shaping up to be one very organized chemistry reference. In this lesson you will discover three other trends that are found on the periodic table: the diagonal relationship, trends in metallic character, and trends in boiling point.
9. Transition Metals vs. Main Group Elements: Properties and Differences
Which is better: to be steadfast and consistent or to be a colorful chameleon? This lesson compares and contrasts the main group elements and the transition metals. Then make your own decision!
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the GCSE Chemistry: Practice & Study Guide course
- Steps of the Scientific Method
- Analyzing & Evaluating Scientific Data
- The Process of Scientific Thinking
- Mathematics in Science
- Scientific Vocabulary & Measurement
- Atoms & Atomic Structure
- Properties of Elements, Compounds & Mixtures
- Block & Group Elements
- Chemical Bonds Overview
- Molecular Types & Structures
- States of Matter Overview
- Quantitative Chemistry
- Chemical Changes
- Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions
- Rate & Extent of Chemical Changes
- Basics of Organic Chemistry
- Chemical Analysis
- Chemistry of the Atmosphere
- Using Natural Resources
- GCSE Chemistry Flashcards