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Understanding the Periodic Table: Groups 1, 2, 7, 8/0 and Transition Metals

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Aysha ๐Ÿ’—

@ayshaahmed_hqen

The periodic table is chemistry's ultimate cheat sheet - it... Show more

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26/8/22
โ—
ยท
The periodic Table
devised by the Russian
The periodic table was
chemist Dmitri Mendeleev.
properties.
He placed the elements in

The Periodic Table Structure

Dmitri Mendeleev created the periodic table by arranging elements into groups (columns) and periods (rows). Elements in the same group share similar chemical properties, which is why they're grouped together.

Originally, elements were arranged by increasing mass, but we now organise them by atomic number (the number of protons). This updated system makes much more sense and eliminates the gaps Mendeleev had to leave.

Quick Tip: Remember that groups go down and periods go across - just like reading a book!

26/8/22
โ—
ยท
The periodic Table
devised by the Russian
The periodic table was
chemist Dmitri Mendeleev.
properties.
He placed the elements in

Alkali Metals (Group 1)

Alkali metals are the show-offs of the periodic table - they react dramatically with water! Lithium fizzes gently, sodium melts into a ball with an orange flame, and potassium puts on the biggest display with a lilac flame.

These metals become more reactive as you move down the group. All alkali metals have one electron in their outer shell, which explains why they're so eager to react.

The pattern is clear: lithium (2,1), sodium (2,8,1), and potassium (2,8,8,1) all share that single outer electron. This makes them incredibly useful for predicting chemical behaviour.

Remember: Group 1 = 1 outer electron = very reactive metals that love water!

26/8/22
โ—
ยท
The periodic Table
devised by the Russian
The periodic table was
chemist Dmitri Mendeleev.
properties.
He placed the elements in

Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2) & Halogens (Group 7)

Alkaline earth metals are group 2's reactive metals, though less dramatic than their group 1 neighbours. Magnesium produces small bubbles in water, whilst calcium fizzes more vigorously and forms white powder.

Halogens are group 7's reactive non-metals with seven electrons in their outer shell. Unlike alkali metals, halogens become less reactive as you move down the group.

Fluorine sits at the top as the most reactive halogen. This opposite trend to group 1 shows how the periodic table reveals fascinating patterns across different element families.

Key Pattern: Group 1 gets more reactive going down, Group 7 gets less reactive going down!

26/8/22
โ—
ยท
The periodic Table
devised by the Russian
The periodic table was
chemist Dmitri Mendeleev.
properties.
He placed the elements in

Transition Metals & Noble Gases

Transition metals occupy the middle section of the periodic table and don't follow the usual group numbering system. They're incredibly useful as catalysts - substances that speed up reactions without being consumed.

These metals form coloured compounds, which explains why many paints, dyes, and gemstones contain transition metals. Think copper's blue-green colour or iron's rusty red.

Noble gases Group8/0Group 8/0 are the complete opposite - they're unreactive because they have full outer shells of electrons. This makes them stable and reluctant to form compounds with other elements.

Memory Trick: Noble gases are "noble" because they don't mix with common elements - just like snobbish nobility!

26/8/22
โ—
ยท
The periodic Table
devised by the Russian
The periodic table was
chemist Dmitri Mendeleev.
properties.
He placed the elements in


We thought youโ€™d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ€“ all at your fingertips.

Most popular content: Periodic Table

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

ย 

Chemistry

โ€ข

51

โ€ข

8 Dec 2025

โ€ข

5 pages

Understanding the Periodic Table: Groups 1, 2, 7, 8/0 and Transition Metals

user profile picture

Aysha ๐Ÿ’—

@ayshaahmed_hqen

The periodic table is chemistry's ultimate cheat sheet - it organises all known elements in a way that reveals patterns and helps predict how they'll behave. Understanding how Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev arranged elements by their properties will unlock the... Show more

26/8/22
โ—
ยท
The periodic Table
devised by the Russian
The periodic table was
chemist Dmitri Mendeleev.
properties.
He placed the elements in

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Periodic Table Structure

Dmitri Mendeleev created the periodic table by arranging elements into groups (columns) and periods (rows). Elements in the same group share similar chemical properties, which is why they're grouped together.

Originally, elements were arranged by increasing mass, but we now organise them by atomic number (the number of protons). This updated system makes much more sense and eliminates the gaps Mendeleev had to leave.

Quick Tip: Remember that groups go down and periods go across - just like reading a book!

26/8/22
โ—
ยท
The periodic Table
devised by the Russian
The periodic table was
chemist Dmitri Mendeleev.
properties.
He placed the elements in

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Alkali Metals (Group 1)

Alkali metals are the show-offs of the periodic table - they react dramatically with water! Lithium fizzes gently, sodium melts into a ball with an orange flame, and potassium puts on the biggest display with a lilac flame.

These metals become more reactive as you move down the group. All alkali metals have one electron in their outer shell, which explains why they're so eager to react.

The pattern is clear: lithium (2,1), sodium (2,8,1), and potassium (2,8,8,1) all share that single outer electron. This makes them incredibly useful for predicting chemical behaviour.

Remember: Group 1 = 1 outer electron = very reactive metals that love water!

26/8/22
โ—
ยท
The periodic Table
devised by the Russian
The periodic table was
chemist Dmitri Mendeleev.
properties.
He placed the elements in

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

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Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2) & Halogens (Group 7)

Alkaline earth metals are group 2's reactive metals, though less dramatic than their group 1 neighbours. Magnesium produces small bubbles in water, whilst calcium fizzes more vigorously and forms white powder.

Halogens are group 7's reactive non-metals with seven electrons in their outer shell. Unlike alkali metals, halogens become less reactive as you move down the group.

Fluorine sits at the top as the most reactive halogen. This opposite trend to group 1 shows how the periodic table reveals fascinating patterns across different element families.

Key Pattern: Group 1 gets more reactive going down, Group 7 gets less reactive going down!

26/8/22
โ—
ยท
The periodic Table
devised by the Russian
The periodic table was
chemist Dmitri Mendeleev.
properties.
He placed the elements in

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Transition Metals & Noble Gases

Transition metals occupy the middle section of the periodic table and don't follow the usual group numbering system. They're incredibly useful as catalysts - substances that speed up reactions without being consumed.

These metals form coloured compounds, which explains why many paints, dyes, and gemstones contain transition metals. Think copper's blue-green colour or iron's rusty red.

Noble gases Group8/0Group 8/0 are the complete opposite - they're unreactive because they have full outer shells of electrons. This makes them stable and reluctant to form compounds with other elements.

Memory Trick: Noble gases are "noble" because they don't mix with common elements - just like snobbish nobility!

26/8/22
โ—
ยท
The periodic Table
devised by the Russian
The periodic table was
chemist Dmitri Mendeleev.
properties.
He placed the elements in

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

We thought youโ€™d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ€“ all at your fingertips.

Most popular content: Periodic Table

Most popular content in Chemistry

Chemistry paper 1 aqa

This is the aqa exam board for triple highwe

ChemistryChemistry
10

Most popular content

Chemistry paper 1 aqa

This is the aqa exam board for triple highwe

ChemistryChemistry
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us โ€” and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user