Classification of Elements in Modern Periodic Table - Meaning, Importance, FAQs

Classification of Elements in Modern Periodic Table - Meaning, Importance, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:28 PM IST

The periodic table is an arrangement of elements according to their increasing atomic number and their chemical properties, as well as the order of their electronic configuration. The elements are arranged from top to bottom and from left to right in the periodic table. The table comprises 118 total elements. It is made up of 7 rows referred to as periods as well as 18 columns referred to as groups.

This Story also Contains
  1. Modern Periodic Table
  2. What is the need for classification of elements?
  3. Classification of Elements in Periodic Table
  4. Classification of elements into periods in the periodic table
  5. Classification of elements into groups in the periodic table
  6. Points to Remember :
Classification of Elements in Modern Periodic Table - Meaning, Importance, FAQs
Classification of Elements in Modern Periodic Table - Meaning, Importance, FAQs

Modern Periodic Table

In the Modern Periodic Table, Periodic properties of elements are determined by periodic functions of atomic numbers, according to the current periodic law. Across each row, elements were arranged from left to right in increasing order of their atomic numbers. There is a regular pattern in elements with similar properties.

What is the need for classification of elements?

As new elements are discovered, this becomes important to schedule as well as classify all existing elements. Physical as well as chemical properties, as well as atomic mass, were examined, therefore. Various researchers tried to describe elements based on chemical as well as physical characteristics.

Classification of Elements in Periodic Table

Periodic classification of elements class 11 is a method for classifying elements based on their features, in which we keep elements that are similar in one group and the rest of the elements in the other. Several empty spots have been left in the periodic table classification to put elements that will be discovered in the future without interrupting the elements' trending periodicity.

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The current periodic table classification has been divided into seven periods (also known as horizontal rows) and eighteen groups (also known as vertical columns). The elements are grouped ascendingly according to their atomic numbers and the way electrons fill their atomic energy sublevels, according to the build-up hypothesis, with each element having one more electron than the one next to it.

The classification of elements in the periodic table in the contemporary periodic table classification has been done in such a way that the majority of the elements are metals. These metals are found on the periodic table classification's left side. Non-metals are a group of elements in the table that number less than 20 and are found on the right side of the table. Some of the elements that occur on the boundary between Metals and non-metals are known as metalloids. Metal and nonmetal identical properties are shown by these groups. Most of these elements are solids; just 11 of them, noble gases, oxygen, nitrogen, fluorine, chlorine, and hydrogen, exist as gases, and two of them, mercury and bromine, are liquids.

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Periodic Table

Classification of elements into periods in the periodic table

The periodic table's horizontal row is called a period. The periodic table is divided into seven periods, each starting on the far left. When a new primary energy level begins to fill with electrons, a new period begins. Period 1 only includes two elements (hydrogen and helium), but periods 2 and 3 each have eight. There are 18 elements in Periods 4 and 5.

Because the two bottom rows that are isolated from the rest of the table pertain to those periods, they have 32 elements. They're pulled out to make the table itself fit on a single page more readily.

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Classification of elements into groups in the periodic table

Modern periodic tables have vertical columns called groups. In the periodic table, there are 18 groups. one through eighteen groups are numbered. The elements in each group have the same outer shell electronic configuration.

Based on the organization of the outer shell electrons, a group is a vertical column of the periodic table. There are 18 groupings in all. You should be familiar with both of the numerical schemes that are typically used to designate groups. The letters A and B are employed in the conventional system in the United States. 1A and 2A are the first two groups, while 3A through 8A are the last six. The name of the middle group is observed to begin with B. In Europe, however, there was a slightly different structure in place. To avoid confusion, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) agreed on a simple 1 through 18 method from left to right as the official system for numbering groups.

Points to Remember :

Periods (rows) and groups (columns) make up the modern Periodic Table (columns). There are 18 groups, each with a different number of periods ranging from one to seven.

  • The energy level or orbit number is represented by a period.
  • There are only two elements in the first period. This is the shortest time frame.
  • Each of the second and third periods has eight elements. Small periods are what they're called.
  • Each of the fourth and fifth periods has 18 elements. These are referred to as extended periods.
  • Each of the sixth and seventh periods has 32 elements. These are referred to as "very long times."
  • The number of valence electrons in an element is equal to its group number.
  • Metals are accommodated on the left end while nonmetals are accommodated on the right end of the table.
  • Noble elements are found in the periodic table's last group.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the modern periodic table?

The periodic table commonly called as the periodic table of elements is the representation of chemical elements in the increasing order atomic number of elements, chemical properties and the order of their electronic configuration. The table comprises of 118 total elements

2. What is the modern periodic table?
The modern periodic table is a systematic arrangement of chemical elements based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. It organizes elements into periods (rows) and groups (columns), allowing scientists to predict the behavior and properties of elements.
3. How are elements classified in the modern periodic table?

Elements are classified into terms of their increasing atomic number in the modern periodic table.

4. How many rows and columns are there in the modern periodic table?

The current periodic table has been divided into seven periods (also known as horizontal rows) and eighteen groups (also known as vertical columns). The elements are grouped ascendingly according to their atomic numbers and the way electrons fill their atomic energy sublevels

5. How many elements constitute the first period?

There are only two elements in the first period. This is the shortest period.

6. How many man made elements are there in the periodic table?

There were a total of 118 elements recognized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. The first 94 elements are found naturally on Earth, whereas the remaining 24 are created in nuclear processes.

7. What are metals, and where are they located in the periodic table?

Metals are elements that typically have high electrical conductivity, malleability, ductility, and a lustrous appearance. They are predominantly found on the left side and in the center of the periodic table, including groups 1 to 12 and some other groups.

8. Why is the modern periodic table important in chemistry?
The modern periodic table is crucial in chemistry because it provides a logical organization of elements, reveals trends in properties, helps predict chemical behavior, and serves as a fundamental tool for understanding atomic structure and bonding. It's essential for both basic and advanced chemical studies.
9. How does the modern periodic table show the difference between metals and non-metals?
The modern periodic table shows the difference between metals and non-metals through their position relative to the stair-step line. Metals are generally on the left side, non-metals on the right, and metalloids along the line. This arrangement reflects the gradual change in properties from metallic to non-metallic across periods.
10. What are metalloids and where are they located in the modern periodic table?
Metalloids are elements with properties intermediate between metals and non-metals. In the modern periodic table, they are located along the stair-step line separating metals and non-metals. Examples include boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium.
11. What is the significance of the diagonal relationship in the modern periodic table?
The diagonal relationship in the modern periodic table refers to similarities in properties between certain elements diagonally adjacent to each other (e.g., Li and Mg, Be and Al). This relationship arises from a balance between atomic size and electronegativity, leading to similar chemical behaviors.
12. What is the octet rule and how is it reflected in the modern periodic table?
The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration with eight valence electrons (like noble gases). This rule is reflected in the modern periodic table through the arrangement of elements, with noble gases in Group 18 having full outer shells and other elements reacting to achieve similar configurations.
13. What determines an element's position in the modern periodic table?
An element's position in the modern periodic table is determined primarily by its atomic number (number of protons) and electron configuration. The period (row) is determined by the highest occupied energy level, while the group (column) is based on the number of valence electrons.
14. How are elements classified into groups in the modern periodic table?
Elements are classified into groups (vertical columns) based on their similar chemical properties and electron configurations. There are 18 groups in total, including alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, halogens, noble gases, and transition metals, among others.
15. How does the modern periodic table show electron configuration?
The modern periodic table reflects electron configuration through its structure. The s-block, p-block, d-block, and f-block regions correspond to the filling of s, p, d, and f orbitals respectively. An element's position indicates its likely electron configuration.
16. What are the main blocks in the modern periodic table?
The main blocks in the modern periodic table are:
17. How are valence electrons represented in the modern periodic table?
Valence electrons are represented in the modern periodic table by an element's group number (for main group elements). For example, elements in Group 1 have one valence electron, while those in Group 18 have eight (except helium). This helps in quickly determining an element's likely chemical behavior.
18. What are periods in the modern periodic table?
Periods in the modern periodic table are horizontal rows of elements. Each period represents a new electron shell being filled. There are seven periods in total, with the first period containing only two elements (hydrogen and helium) and the seventh period containing the heaviest known elements.
19. How does atomic radius change across a period in the modern periodic table?
Atomic radius generally decreases across a period in the modern periodic table. This is due to increasing nuclear charge and the addition of electrons to the same energy level, which leads to greater electron-nucleus attraction and a smaller atomic size.
20. How does the modern periodic table illustrate the concept of periodicity?
The modern periodic table illustrates periodicity by arranging elements so that those with similar properties appear at regular intervals (periods). This arrangement reveals periodic trends in properties such as atomic size, ionization energy, and electronegativity, which repeat as you move across periods and down groups.
21. What are lanthanides and actinides in the modern periodic table?
Lanthanides and actinides are two series of elements in the f-block of the modern periodic table. Lanthanides (atomic numbers 57-71) and actinides (atomic numbers 89-103) are often placed below the main table to maintain its compact structure. They have similar properties within each series due to their f-orbital electron configurations.
22. How does electronegativity trend in the modern periodic table?
Electronegativity generally increases from left to right across a period and decreases down a group in the modern periodic table. This trend is due to changes in atomic size and nuclear charge, with elements in the upper right corner (excluding noble gases) being the most electronegative.
23. How does the modern periodic table differ from earlier versions?
The modern periodic table differs from earlier versions by organizing elements based on atomic number rather than atomic mass. It also incorporates our understanding of electron configurations, which explains periodic trends and chemical behavior more accurately than previous models.
24. What is the significance of the stair-step line in the modern periodic table?
The stair-step line in the modern periodic table separates metals from non-metals. Elements to the left and below the line are generally metals, while those to the right and above are non-metals. Elements adjacent to the line are metalloids, exhibiting properties of both metals and non-metals.
25. How does the modern periodic table help in understanding chemical bonding?
The modern periodic table aids in understanding chemical bonding by showing an element's number of valence electrons and its tendency to gain, lose, or share electrons. This information, combined with electronegativity trends, helps predict the types of bonds (ionic, covalent, or metallic) that elements are likely to form.
26. How does the modern periodic table help in balancing chemical equations?
The modern periodic table helps in balancing chemical equations by providing information on the elements' valence electrons and common oxidation states. This information allows chemists to predict likely formulas of compounds and the number of atoms needed to balance charges in reactions.
27. How does the modern periodic table help predict element properties?
The modern periodic table helps predict element properties through periodic trends. As you move across a period or down a group, properties like atomic radius, ionization energy, electronegativity, and reactivity change in predictable ways, allowing scientists to estimate properties of less familiar elements.
28. What are isotopes and how are they represented in the modern periodic table?
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. While not explicitly shown in the main table, the modern periodic table typically lists the average atomic mass for each element, which accounts for the natural abundance of its isotopes. Specific isotopes are sometimes noted in expanded versions of the table.
29. What are transition elements in the modern periodic table?
Transition elements, also known as transition metals, are elements in the d-block of the periodic table (Groups 3-12). They are characterized by partially filled d-orbitals, which give them unique properties such as variable oxidation states, colored compounds, and catalytic activity.
30. What is the relationship between group number and valence electrons in the modern periodic table?
In the modern periodic table, for main group elements (s and p blocks), the group number corresponds to the number of valence electrons. For example, Group 1 elements have one valence electron, Group 2 has two, and so on. This relationship doesn't hold for transition elements.
31. What are the noble gases and why are they important in the modern periodic table?
Noble gases are the elements in Group 18 of the modern periodic table. They are important because they have full outer electron shells, making them extremely stable and unreactive. This property defines the concept of electron shell stability and helps explain the reactivity of other elements.
32. How does the modern periodic table help in predicting reactivity of elements?
The modern periodic table helps predict reactivity by showing trends in properties like electronegativity, ionization energy, and electron affinity. Elements with similar reactivities are grouped together, and their position relative to other elements can indicate their likelihood to form compounds or undergo certain reactions.
33. What is the significance of the 18-column layout in the modern periodic table?
The 18-column layout of the modern periodic table corresponds to the maximum number of electrons that can occupy each energy level (2 in s-orbital, 6 in p-orbital, 10 in d-orbital). This arrangement clearly shows the s, p, d, and f blocks, reflecting electron configurations and chemical properties.
34. How does the modern periodic table represent the quantum mechanical model of the atom?
The modern periodic table represents the quantum mechanical model of the atom through its organization into blocks (s, p, d, f) corresponding to different subshells. The arrangement of elements reflects the Aufbau principle, Hund's rule, and the Pauli exclusion principle, which govern electron configurations.
35. How does the modern periodic table help in understanding atomic size trends?
The modern periodic table helps understand atomic size trends by showing that atomic radius generally decreases across a period (due to increasing nuclear charge) and increases down a group (due to new electron shells). These trends are clearly visible when elements are arranged by atomic number.
36. What is the significance of the d-block in the modern periodic table?
The d-block in the modern periodic table contains transition elements, characterized by partially filled d-orbitals. This block is significant because it represents elements with unique properties such as variable oxidation states, colored compounds, and catalytic activity, which are crucial in many chemical and industrial processes.
37. How does ionization energy trend in the modern periodic table?
Ionization energy generally increases from left to right across a period and decreases down a group in the modern periodic table. This trend is due to changes in atomic size, nuclear charge, and electron shielding, with elements in the upper right corner having the highest ionization energies.
38. How does electron affinity trend in the modern periodic table?
Electron affinity generally increases from left to right across a period and decreases down a group in the modern periodic table. This trend is similar to electronegativity, with halogens (Group 17) having the highest electron affinities due to their ability to easily gain an electron to achieve a stable configuration.
39. What is the importance of Group 18 (noble gases) in the modern periodic table?
Group 18 (noble gases) is important in the modern periodic table because these elements have full outer electron shells, making them extremely stable and unreactive. They serve as a reference point for understanding electron configurations, chemical bonding, and the reactivity of other elements.
40. What is the relationship between an element's period number and its electron configuration?
An element's period number in the modern periodic table corresponds to the highest occupied principal quantum number (n) in its ground state electron configuration. For example, elements in period 3 have electrons in the third energy level (n=3) as their outermost electrons.
41. How does the modern periodic table illustrate the concept of effective nuclear charge?
The modern periodic table illustrates effective nuclear charge through trends in atomic properties. As you move across a period, the effective nuclear charge increases due to poor shielding by electrons in the same shell, leading to smaller atoms and higher ionization energies. This concept explains many periodic trends.
42. What is the importance of Group 1 (alkali metals) in the modern periodic table?
Group 1 (alkali metals) is important in the modern periodic table because these elements are highly reactive due to their single valence electron. They serve as excellent examples of how electron configuration influences reactivity and demonstrate clear trends in properties like atomic size and ionization energy.
43. How does the modern periodic table help in predicting the magnetic properties of elements?
The modern periodic table helps predict magnetic properties by showing an element's electron configuration. Elements with unpaired electrons (often transition metals) are paramagnetic or ferromagnetic, while those with paired electrons are diamagnetic. The d-block elements are particularly important for magnetic properties.
44. What is the significance of the p-block in the modern periodic table?
The p-block in the modern periodic table contains elements with valence electrons in p-orbitals. This block is significant because it includes a wide range of elements with diverse properties, from metals to non-metals, and demonstrates clear trends in properties like electronegativity and electron affinity.
45. How does the modern periodic table represent the Aufbau principle?
The modern periodic table represents the Aufbau principle through its structure. Elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number, which corresponds to the order in which electron orbitals are filled. The table's layout from left to right and top to bottom reflects the sequence of orbital filling: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, and so on.
46. What is the importance of Group 17 (halogens) in the modern periodic table?
Group 17 (halogens) is important in the modern periodic table because these elements are highly reactive non-metals, needing only one electron to achieve a stable configuration. They demonstrate clear trends in properties like electronegativity and electron affinity, and form important compounds in chemistry and everyday life.
47. How does the modern periodic table help in understanding the concept of isoelectronic species?
The modern periodic table helps understand isoelectronic species by showing elements' electron configurations. Isoelectronic species have the same number of electrons but different nuclear charges. By looking at the table, one can identify elements or ions that might be isoelectronic by comparing their positions and charges.
48. What is the significance of the s-block in the modern periodic table?
The s-block in the modern periodic table contains elements with valence electrons in s-orbitals (Groups 1 and 2). This block is significant because it includes highly reactive metals (alkali and alkaline earth metals) that demonstrate clear trends in properties and play important roles in chemical reactions and biological processes.
49. How does the modern periodic table illustrate the concept of electron shielding?
The modern periodic table illustrates electron shielding through trends in atomic properties. As you move down a group, the increased shielding effect of inner electrons leads to larger atomic sizes and lower ionization energies. This concept helps explain why reactivity often increases down a group for metals.
50. What is the importance of the transition elements in the modern periodic table?
Transition elements (d-block) are important in the modern periodic table because they exhibit unique properties due to their partially filled d-orbitals. These include variable oxidation states, colored compounds, catalytic activity, and the ability to form complex ions. They play crucial roles in many industrial and biological processes.
51. How does the modern periodic table help in understanding the concept of electronegativity?
The modern periodic table helps understand electronegativity by showing clear trends: electronegativity generally increases from left to right across a period and decreases down a group. This arrangement allows for quick comparisons between elements and helps predict the nature of chemical bonds they might form.
52. What is the significance of the f-block in the modern periodic table?
The f-block in the modern periodic table contains lanthanides and actinides, elements with electrons entering f-orbitals. This block is significant because these elements have unique properties due to their f-electrons, including special magnetic and optical characteristics. They are often used in advanced technologies and materials science.
53. How does the modern periodic table represent the periodic law?
The modern periodic table represents the periodic law by arranging elements so that those with similar properties appear at regular intervals (periods). This arrangement clearly shows that the chemical and physical properties of elements are periodic functions of their atomic numbers, as stated in the periodic law.
54. What is the importance of Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) in the modern periodic table?
Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) is important in the modern periodic table because these elements demonstrate clear trends in properties and reactivity. They have two valence electrons, are less reactive than alkali metals, and form many important compounds. Their behavior helps illustrate concepts like periodic trends and ionic bonding.
55. How does the modern periodic table help in predicting the acid-base behavior of elements?
The modern periodic table helps predict acid-base behavior by showing trends in electronegativity and metallic character. Generally, metals on the left form basic oxides, while non-metals on the right form acidic oxides. Elements in the middle may form amphoteric oxides. This arrangement aids in predicting how elements will behave in aqueous solutions.

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