IGCSE Chemistry 0620: Periodic Table Notes (For Students and
Teachers)
Introduction to the Periodic Table The Periodic Table is a systematic
arrangement of all known chemical elements in order of increasing atomic
number. It was first developed by Dmitri Mendeleev and has been improved over
time to become one of the most important tools in chemistry.
1. Structure of the Periodic Table
Periods: Horizontal rows (numbered 1 to 7)
o Elements show trends in properties across a period.
o All elements in the same period have the same number of electron
shells.
Groups: Vertical columns (numbered 1 to 8 or 0)
o Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties.
o They have the same number of electrons in their outer shell.
Metals vs. Non-Metals:
o Metals are on the left and center (Groups 1 to 3 and transition
metals).
o Non-metals are on the right (Groups 5 to 7 and Group 0).
o A zigzag line (starting under boron) separates metals and non-
metals.
2. Trends in the Periodic Table
Across a Period (Left to Right):
Atomic number increases.
Atomic radius decreases.
Electronegativity increases.
Metallic character decreases.
Elements become less reactive (metals) or more reactive (non-metals).
Down a Group (Top to Bottom):
Atomic number increases.
Atomic radius increases.
Electronegativity decreases.
Metallic character increases.
Reactivity of metals increases, reactivity of non-metals decreases.
3. Group 1: The Alkali Metals
Examples: Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K)
Soft, shiny metals
Very reactive (stored under oil)
Reactivity increases down the group
React with water to form hydrogen gas and an alkali (e.g., Na + H2O →
NaOH + H2)
Trends:
Lower melting/boiling points down the group
More vigorous reaction with water
4. Group 7: The Halogens
Examples: Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), Iodine (I)
Non-metals, exist as diatomic molecules (Cl2, Br2, etc.)
Colored and toxic gases/liquids/solids
Reactivity decreases down the group
More reactive halogens can displace less reactive ones (e.g., Cl2 + KBr →
Br2 + KCl)
Trends:
Color darkens down the group
Melting and boiling points increase
5. Group 0 / Group 8: The Noble Gases
Examples: Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar)
Very unreactive (inert)
Full outer electron shells
Monatomic gases
Uses:
Helium in balloons
Argon in light bulbs
Neon in advertising signs
6. Transition Metals
Found in the center block (between Groups 2 and 3)
Examples: Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn)
Hard, dense metals
Form colored compounds
Often used as catalysts (e.g., iron in the Haber process)
7. Periodic Table and Electron Configuration
Group number = number of electrons in outer shell (for Groups 1-7)
Period number = number of electron shells
Helps predict properties and reactivity of elements
Example:
Sodium (Na): Atomic number 11 → Electron configuration = 2,8,1 → Group
1, Period 3
8. Key Definitions
Element: A substance made of one type of atom
Group: Vertical column with similar chemical properties
Period: Horizontal row with increasing atomic number
Atomic Number: Number of protons in an atom
Electron Configuration: Arrangement of electrons in shells
Exam Tips:
Memorize trends in Groups 1, 7, and 0
Use the Periodic Table to predict element properties
Understand reactivity patterns for displacement reactions
Know typical uses of common elements (e.g., noble gases, transition
metals)
Summary Table of Group Trends
Grou Reactivi State at Room Appearance Other Trends
p ty Temp
Increase Lowers melting point down the
1 Soft metals Shiny, silver
s group
Decrease Colored Darker color, higher boiling
7 Non-metals
s gases/liqs point
Boiling point increases down
0 Stable Gases Colorless
the group
