"Periodic Table: The Predictive Power Puzzle"
This activity frames the Periodic Table not as a static chart to be memorized, but as a
dynamic tool for predicting chemical properties and behaviors. Students work in small
groups to solve a series of "puzzles" based on real chemical trends.
Core Concepts: Periodic Trends (Atomic Radius, Ionization Energy, Electronegativity),
Metallic Character, Types of Bonds, Acid-Base Chemistry of Oxides.
Time Required: 30-50 minutes
Learning Objectives
By the end of this activity, students will be able to:
1. Apply periodic trends to predict physical and chemical properties.
2. Justify predictions based on the position of an element in the periodic table.
3. Explain the relationship between an element's position and the properties of its
compounds.
GENERAL INSTRUCTION: Answer in an intermediate paper. Group by row. Write
the group members in your paper. Discuss the answers with your rowmates, tackle
the whys of your answer and write the summary of your discussion on your
intermediate paper.
Part 1: The "Mystery Island" Periodic Table
You are a chemist exploring a new region of the periodic table! You have data for some
elements, but the properties for others (labeled Elements A, B, C, & D) are missing. Use
the clues and your knowledge of trends to solve the puzzles.
Group 1 Group 2 Group 13 Group 14 Group 15 Group 16 Group 17
Li Be B C N O F
Soft, low Hard,
Metalloid Nonmetal Nonmetal Nonmetal Nonmetal
mp high mp
Na Mg Al Si P S Cl
Softer, Hard, Element Element Element Element Gas, very
lower mp high mp A B C D reactive
K Ca Ga Ge As Se Br
Softer,
Softer, Liquid,
very low Metallic Metalloid Metalloid Nonmetal
high mp reactive
mp
Clues:
1. Metallic character increases down a group and decreases across a period.
2. Atomic radius increases down a group and decreases across a period.
3. The acid-base character of oxides changes from basic on the left to acidic on the right.
Puzzles for Part 1:
1. Classification: Is Element A (below Al) most likely a Metal, Metalloid, or Nonmetal?
Justify.
2. Property Prediction: Predict the texture/melting point for Element B (below Si). How will
it compare to Carbon and Germanium?
3. Bonding: What type of bond (ionic, covalent, metallic) is most likely formed
between Element C (below P) and Potassium (K)?
4. Compound Behavior: Would the oxide of Element D (below S) form an acidic or basic
solution in water? Write a generic chemical equation to support your answer (e.g., EO₂ +
H₂O → H₂EO₃).
Part 2: The "Ionic Showdown"
Rank the following sets of ions/atoms as requested. You must explain your reasoning
based on periodic trends.
1. Rank by increasing atomic/ionic radius: Mg, Mg²⁺, Na, O²⁻
o Reasoning Prompt: Remember the effects of losing electrons (cation is smaller) vs.
gaining electrons (anion is larger), and the general period trend.
2. Rank by increasing first ionization energy: Al, Cl, Si, S
o Reasoning Prompt: Ionization energy increases across a period and decreases down a
group. Locate these elements precisely.
3. The "Which is Weirder?" Question: Explain why the atomic radius of Zirconium (Zr,
period 5) is nearly identical to that of Hafnium (Hf, period 6) directly below it, despite the
general trend. (This introduces the concept of the lanthanide contraction)
Part 3: "Predict the Product" - Inorganic Synthesis
For each reaction described, predict the most likely products and complete the reaction.
State the reasoning for your prediction.
1. Reaction of a Metal Oxide with Water: A new Group 2 element, "X," is discovered below
Barium. Its oxide (XO) is added to water. What are the products? Is the resulting solution
acidic or basic?
Equation: XO + H₂O → ?
2. Reaction of a Nonmetal Oxide with Water: A new halogen, "Z," is discovered. Its oxide,
Z₂O₇, is a pungent gas that dissolves in water. What is the general class of the compound
formed? Is the solution acidic or basic?
Equation: Z₂O₇ + H₂O → ?
3. Single Replacement: Solid Cobalt (Co) is added to a solution of Vanadium(III) chloride
(VCl₃). Does a reaction occur? (Hint: You are given an activity series: K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al
> Zn > Fe > Co > V > Cu > Ag). Justify your answer.
