The Periodic Table Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry revision
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In plain words
The Periodic Table lists every element in order of proton number, wrapped into rows so that similar elements end up above and below each other. Read down a column (a group) and you find a family that reacts in similar ways. Read along a row (a period) and the elements change steadily from metals to non-metals.
Three things to know
- The elements are in order of proton number. A group (column) has elements with the same number of outer electrons, so they react in similar ways.
- A period (row) has elements with the same number of occupied shells. Across a period the elements change from metals to non-metals.
- The group number tells you the charge on the ion: Group 1 forms 1+, Group 2 forms 2+, Group 7 forms 1−.
Tips and tricks
- Group number = number of outer electrons. Period number = number of shells. One fact gives you the other.
- "Similar chemical properties because they have the same number of outer electrons" is the sentence to learn.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
The Periodic Table: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
In what order are the elements arranged in the Periodic Table?
Each element has one more proton than the one before.
What do elements in the same group have in common?
That is why they have similar chemical properties.
How do the elements change across a period, from left to right?
Metals are on the left of the table and non-metals on the right.
How many outer electrons does an element in Group 2 have?
The group number is the number of outer electrons.
What does the period number tell you?
Elements in Period 3 have three shells in use.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
3 questions, 7 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
The Periodic Table
Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry 4CH1 · 7 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
State how the elements are arranged in the Periodic Table.[2]
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In order of increasing proton number, in groups (columns) and periods (rows).
Explain why the elements in a group have similar chemical properties.[2]
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They have the same number of electrons in their outer shell.
An element has the electronic configuration 2,8,6. State its group, its period, and whether it is a metal or a non-metal.[3]
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Group 6 (VI), Period 3, non-metal. (It is sulfur.)
Answers: The Periodic Table
- 1. In order of increasing proton number, in groups (columns) and periods (rows).
- 2. They have the same number of electrons in their outer shell.
- 3. Group 6 (VI), Period 3, non-metal. (It is sulfur.)



