Periodic Table Elements - Definition, Overview, Groups, FAQs

Periodic Table Elements - Definition, Overview, Groups, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:37 PM IST

The elements of the periodic table, commonly called the "periodic table with atomic mass," are the representation of chemical elements in the increasing order of the atomic table or atomic number table, their chemical properties, and the order of their electronic configuration. The table comprises 118 total elements in periodic table. It is made up of 7 rows referred to as the periods and 18 columns referred to as the groups.

This Story also Contains
  1. Why Was Classification of Elements Necessary?
  2. Law of Triads :
  3. Law of Octaves:
  4. Mendeleev’s Periodic Table:
  5. State The Modern Periodic Law And Modern Periodic Table:
  6. The Groups and Periods:
  7. Modern Periodic Table- Periods:
  8. Modern Periodic Table Groups:
  9. Periodic Trends:
  10. Ionization Energy:
  11. Electronegativity:
Periodic Table Elements - Definition, Overview, Groups, FAQs
Periodic Table Elements - Definition, Overview, Groups, FAQs

Why Was Classification of Elements Necessary?

As new periodic table elements were discovered, it became important to schedule and classify all of the existing elements. Physical and chemical properties, as well as atomic mass, were examined as a consequence. Various researchers tried to describe the elements based on chemical and physical characteristics.

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Some of the accepted laws and methods were:

Law of Triads :

  1. As per this law "If three elements are arranged in ascending order of their atomic masses that is atomic mass number of middle element is the Arithmetic mean of the first and third elements, then these elements will show similar properties".

  2. This is known as "Law of Triads" as a group of three elements, having similar physical and chemical properties, repeated sequentially

  3. Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner introduced this law in 1829.

  4. For example, the mean atomic mass of lithium and potassium appeared closeby to the atomic mass of sodium.

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Law of Triads

Advantages: It identified that there is a relationship between properties of elements and their atomic masses.

Disadvantage: It was successful in identifying only three sets of triads from the then known elements. Also all elements did not exhibit this similarity.

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Law of Octaves:

  1. This was established by John Newlands in 1966.

  2. He identified that “every eighth element in the table had properties similar to that of the first''. He made a comparison to this with the octaves found in music.

  3. He mentioned it as the ‘Law of Octaves’ also known as ‘Newland’s Law of Octaves’”.

Law of Octaves:

Advantages: this law was acceptable only with lighter elements. This was the first periodical arrangement of elements. This was the first arrangement of elements in the increasing order of their atomic masses.

Disadvantages: invalid for elements lighter than calcium. Not applicable to all elements. Neglected the chance of identification of more elements in future.

Mendeleev’s Periodic Table:

  1. It consisted of 63 elements.

  2. He focused on the relationship between an element's atomic mass of all elements and its physical and chemical properties. He noticed that the majority of the elements were assigned to a Periodic Table and organized in order of increasing atomic masses.

Mendeleev’s Periodic Table:

Advantage: Systematic study of elements Prediction of the properties of undiscovered elements. Position for Noble gases. Correction of atomic masses.

Disadvantages: He was not assigned a proper position. The position of isotopes was not successfully explained. Some elements were not arranged in their exact atomic mass order.

State The Modern Periodic Law And Modern Periodic Table:

  1. Modern periodic table is given by Henry Moseley in 1913.

  2. What is Modern Periodic Law? Modern Periodic Law is explained as: ‘Properties of elements are a periodic function of their atomic number.’ So, modern periodic table is based on atomic number.

  3. The position of elements in the modern periodic table of elements speak about its chemical nature of reactivity.

    How many groups and periods in periodic table?

  4. Full modern periodic table is made up of 7 rows referred to as the periods and 18 columns referred to as the groups.

Modern Periodic Table:

Modern periodic table with names is given above.

Advantages: modern periodic table given by moseley depends on a more fundamental property i.e. Atomic number It more clearly links the position of elements to their electronic configuration. It discussed the Periodic Table of Mendeleev's abnormalities and flaws. Since all isotopes of the same element have the same atomic number, they are now arranged in almost the same location. When these elements are ordered in order of increasing atomic mass, the paradox of higher atomic mass elements being placed before lower atomic mass elements (ie cobalt and nickel) is erased.

The Groups and Periods:

Modern Periodic Table- Periods:

how many periods are there in modern periodic table? The periodic table of elements comprises 7 rows which are collectively called the period. Elements occupying the left hand end of the periodic table are metals while those elements occupying the right end are non metals. Borderline elements namely boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic have properties intermediate between those of the metals and non-metals. Hence they are collectively called metalloids or semimetals. The number of electron shells in an atom's electrical structure indicates its period. For example, if an element's atom contains two electron shells (K and L), it belongs to the second period.

Modern Periodic Table Groups:

How Many Groups Are There In Modern periodic table? The periodic table of elements is made up of 18 vertical columns that are collectively referred to as the groups. They carry elements with identical chemical behavior. 6 of the 18 groups are assigned specific names. For instance group 17 is called halogens, group 18 is referred to as noble gases. When chemical elements are grouped in the increasing order of atomic number, their properties follow a repeated pattern described as the "periodic law," in which elements in the same column group display similar properties. Elements having the same number of valence electrons occupy the same group. There is an increase in the number of shells as we proceed down the group marking new electronic shells getting occupied..

NCERT Chemistry Notes:

Periodic Trends:

Atomic radius :

GROUP TREND: As you progress through a group, the atomic radius grows. This is due to the filling of key energy state (1-7) with an increasing number of electrons. The ions are moving away from the center.

PERIOD TREND: As the atomic number grows, the radius of the atom shrinks from sequentially. This is because as the nuclei grows larger and more positive, greater electrons enter the same level. The electron cluster is drawn closer to the nucleus as a result of this.

  1. Ionization Energy:

GROUP TREND: Ionization energy falls from largest to smallest in vertical groups. With this, the electrons are further away from the center, and the filled levels act as a shield.

PERIOD TREND: As you proceed from left to right toward the nobility, the ionisation energy tends to rise. This is due to the fact that metals lose electrons while nonmetals receive them.

  1. Electronegativity:

GROUP TREND: Going top to bottom, electronegativity declines. Small atoms have a shorter distance between them. The proximity to the nucleus is greater, and the shielding effect is less.

PERIOD TREND: As you move across a period, the value of electronegativity rises. Metals desire to be emptied. So that they lose electrons in their subzones Nonmetals seek to gain electrons in order to become noble gases.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which element is the first element in the periodic table?

Hydrogen is first element in the periodic table.

2. Is atomic mass a periodic property?

Nuclear mass typically increases from top to bottom and decreases from left to right. Since the atomic number was created to serve as the foundation for classifying the elements on the periodic table, it will always rise from left to right and top to bottom.

3. What are group 18 elements commonly referred to?

Group 18 elements are called noble gases and have a completely filled electronic configuration.

4. What is the visible trend of electronegativity down a group?

Going top to bottom, electronegativity declines. Small atoms have a shorter distance between them.The proximity to the nucleus is greater, and the shielding effect is less.

5. How are elements arranged in the modern periodic table?

Chemical elements in the increasing order atomic number of elements in the modern periodic table.

6. Why is the periodic law important?

One of the fundamental ideas in chemistry is known as the periodic law. Each chemist, whether consciously or unconsciously, applies the Periodic Law when dealing with the chemical elements, their properties, and their chemical reactions. Periodic law was the primary force behind the creation of the modern periodic table.

7. What is relative periodic property?

Any two elements do not have the same valence shell electronic configuration at any given time. A periodic gradation from left to right exists for an element's physical properties, and as a result, different chemical properties change over time for different elements. Periodic property is the term used to describe this.

8. How do periodic trends relate to periodic law?

Periodic trends are regular patterns found in the periodic table that reveal information about an element's properties, including electronegativity, atomic radius, and ionising power. According to the periodic law, when elements are grouped by their atomic number, specific characteristics of those elements tend to repeat at regular intervals.

9. What is the octet rule and how does it relate to the periodic table?
The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration with 8 valence electrons (like noble gases). This rule helps explain the reactivity and bonding behavior of elements across the periodic table.
10. How does electronegativity trend across the periodic table?
Electronegativity generally increases from left to right across a period and decreases down a group. This is due to changes in atomic size and nuclear charge.
11. What are isoelectronic species and how do they relate to the periodic table?
Isoelectronic species are atoms or ions with the same number of electrons. They often have similar properties despite being different elements. Understanding this concept helps in predicting chemical behavior across the periodic table.
12. What are halogens?
Halogens are elements in Group 17 of the periodic table. They are highly reactive nonmetals that readily gain one electron to form negative ions.
13. What are noble gases?
Noble gases are elements in Group 18 of the periodic table. They have a full outer shell of electrons, making them extremely stable and generally unreactive.
14. How does ionization energy trend across the periodic table?
Ionization energy generally increases from left to right across a period and decreases down a group. This is related to atomic size and the strength of the nuclear attraction to electrons.
15. How does the periodic table help in predicting chemical reactivity?
The periodic table arranges elements based on their electron configurations. By understanding an element's position, we can predict its likely reactions, oxidation states, and bonding behavior.
16. How does electron affinity trend across the periodic table?
Electron affinity generally increases from left to right across a period and decreases down a group, with some exceptions. This trend is related to atomic size and the attraction between the nucleus and additional electrons.
17. What are alkali metals?
Alkali metals are elements in Group 1 of the periodic table (excluding hydrogen). They are highly reactive metals that readily lose their single valence electron to form positive ions.
18. What are the characteristics of transition metals in the periodic table?
Transition metals are located in the d-block of the periodic table. They typically have high melting points, form colored compounds, exhibit multiple oxidation states, and often have catalytic properties.
19. What is the periodic table of elements?
The periodic table is a systematic arrangement of all known chemical elements, organized based on their atomic structure and chemical properties. It displays elements in order of increasing atomic number, with rows representing periods and columns representing groups or families with similar characteristics.
20. How are elements arranged in the periodic table?
Elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number (number of protons in the nucleus). They are organized into rows (periods) and columns (groups), with elements in the same group having similar chemical properties due to their similar electron configurations.
21. What are groups in the periodic table?
Groups are vertical columns in the periodic table. Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons (outer shell electrons) in their atoms.
22. How many groups are there in the modern periodic table?
The modern periodic table has 18 groups, numbered from 1 to 18 from left to right.
23. What are the main categories of elements in the periodic table?
The main categories are metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. Metals are generally on the left side, nonmetals on the right, and metalloids are found between them.
24. What are periods in the periodic table?
Periods are horizontal rows in the periodic table. Elements in the same period have the same number of electron shells. As you move across a period, the number of protons and electrons increases by one for each element.
25. How many periods are there in the periodic table?
There are 7 periods in the modern periodic table.
26. What is the difference between a period and a group in the periodic table?
A period is a horizontal row in the periodic table, where elements have the same number of electron shells but increasing atomic number. A group is a vertical column, where elements have similar chemical properties due to their similar valence electron configurations.
27. What is the significance of the block structure (s, p, d, f) in the periodic table?
The block structure represents the type of orbital being filled with electrons. It helps in understanding electron configurations, chemical properties, and the arrangement of elements in the table.
28. What are lanthanides and actinides?
Lanthanides and actinides are two series of elements that are often shown separately below the main periodic table. Lanthanides are elements 57-71, and actinides are elements 89-103. They are also known as f-block elements due to their electron configurations.
29. What is the significance of an element's position in the periodic table?
An element's position in the periodic table provides information about its electron configuration, chemical behavior, and physical properties. It allows scientists to predict how elements will interact with each other and form compounds.
30. How does atomic size change across a period?
Atomic size generally decreases from left to right across a period. This is due to increasing nuclear charge and the same number of electron shells, which pulls electrons closer to the nucleus.
31. How does atomic size change down a group?
Atomic size generally increases down a group. This is because each element has an additional electron shell, which increases the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electrons.
32. What is the significance of the stair-step line on the periodic table?
The stair-step line separates metals from nonmetals. Elements to the left and below the line are metals, those to the right and above are nonmetals, and those touching the line are metalloids.
33. How do valence electrons relate to an element's group number?
For main group elements (Groups 1-2 and 13-18), the group number corresponds to the number of valence electrons. For example, all elements in Group 2 have 2 valence electrons.
34. Who created the modern periodic table?
The modern periodic table was primarily developed by Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869. However, it has undergone several modifications and improvements over time with contributions from many scientists.
35. What is the periodic law?
The periodic law states that the properties of elements are periodic functions of their atomic numbers. This means that elements with similar properties appear at regular intervals when arranged by atomic number.
36. How does the periodic table reflect the Aufbau principle?
The arrangement of elements in the periodic table follows the Aufbau principle, with electrons filling orbitals in order of increasing energy level. This is reflected in the block structure and the order of elements.
37. How does the periodic table help in understanding isotopes?
While the periodic table is arranged by atomic number (number of protons), it also provides information on the average atomic mass of elements, reflecting the existence of isotopes (atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons).
38. How does the periodic table help in understanding chemical bonding?
The position of elements in the periodic table provides information about their valence electrons and tendency to form ions, which is crucial for predicting the types of bonds they will form (ionic, covalent, or metallic).
39. Why is hydrogen placed in Group 1 despite being different from alkali metals?
Hydrogen is placed in Group 1 because it has one valence electron like alkali metals. However, it behaves differently and is often considered separately. Its placement is a subject of debate among chemists.
40. How does the periodic table illustrate the concept of periodicity in element properties?
The periodic table demonstrates that certain properties (like atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity) repeat in a regular pattern as atomic number increases, reflecting the periodic nature of electron configurations.
41. What are transition elements?
Transition elements are elements in the d-block of the periodic table (Groups 3-12). They are characterized by partially filled d-orbitals and exhibit variable oxidation states.
42. What is the relationship between group number and valence electron configuration for main group elements?
For main group elements, the group number equals the number of valence electrons. For example, Group 14 elements have 4 valence electrons, typically in an ns2np2 configuration.
43. What are metalloids and where are they located in the periodic table?
Metalloids are elements with properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals. They are found along the stair-step line separating metals and nonmetals, including elements like boron, silicon, and germanium.
44. How does the periodic table help in balancing chemical equations?
The periodic table provides information on the typical oxidation states of elements, which is crucial for balancing redox reactions. It also helps in identifying the nature of elements (metal/nonmetal) involved in reactions.
45. What is the significance of diagonal relationships in the periodic table?
Diagonal relationships refer to similarities in properties between certain elements diagonally adjacent in the periodic table (e.g., Li and Mg, Be and Al). These similarities arise from a balance of size and charge effects.
46. How does the periodic table help in predicting the acid-base behavior of elements?
The position of an element in the periodic table can indicate whether it forms acidic or basic oxides. Generally, metals on the left form basic oxides, while nonmetals on the right form acidic oxides.
47. How does the periodic table reflect quantum mechanical principles?
The structure of the periodic table, particularly the block organization (s, p, d, f), directly reflects the quantum mechanical model of electron orbitals and energy levels.
48. What is the significance of the representative elements in the periodic table?
Representative elements, found in groups 1-2 and 13-18, have their valence electrons in s and p orbitals. Their properties are more predictable and show clearer periodic trends compared to transition elements.
49. What is the relationship between an element's period number and its electron configuration?
The period number corresponds to the highest occupied energy level (principal quantum number) in an element's ground state electron configuration.
50. What are the trends in metallic character across the periodic table?
Metallic character generally increases down a group and decreases across a period from left to right. This is related to the ease with which atoms lose electrons to form positive ions.
51. What is the relationship between group number and the number of valence electrons for transition elements?
Unlike main group elements, the group number for transition elements does not directly correspond to the number of valence electrons. Transition elements have a more complex relationship due to their partially filled d-orbitals.
52. How does the periodic table illustrate the concept of effective nuclear charge?
The trends in properties across the periodic table, such as atomic radius and ionization energy, reflect changes in effective nuclear charge. This concept helps explain why elements in the same group have similar properties.
53. What is the significance of the lanthanide and actinide contractions in the periodic table?
The lanthanide and actinide contractions refer to the smaller-than-expected atomic and ionic radii of elements following these series. This affects the properties of elements in later periods and explains some anomalies in periodic trends.
54. What is the relationship between an element's position in the periodic table and its electron affinity?
Generally, electron affinity increases across a period and decreases down a group, with some exceptions. This trend is related to atomic size and the attraction between the nucleus and additional electrons.
55. How does the periodic table help in understanding the formation of ionic compounds?
The periodic table shows the tendency of elements to form positive or negative ions based on their position. Metals on the left tend to lose electrons to form cations, while nonmetals on the right tend to gain electrons to form anions.
56. What is the relationship between an element's position in the periodic table and its melting and boiling points?
Generally, melting and boiling points increase across a period and decrease down a group, with some exceptions. This trend is related to the strength of interatomic forces, which is influenced by atomic size and electron configuration.
57. How does the periodic table reflect the historical development of our understanding of atomic structure?
The organization of the periodic table has evolved with our understanding of atomic structure. From Mendeleev's original table based on atomic mass to the modern table based on atomic number, it reflects the progression of scientific knowledge about atoms and elements.
58. What is the significance of the periodic table in predicting and explaining chemical and physical properties of elements?
The periodic table serves as a powerful tool for predicting and explaining a wide range of chemical and physical properties based on an element's position. It allows scientists to make informed predictions about unknown or newly discovered elements and to understand trends and patterns in elemental behavior.

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