The periodic table organizes elements into major categories based on shared physical and chemical properties. Metals, for example, are characterized by their lustrous appearance, malleability, and high density, and they are excellent conductors of heat and electricity.
Key Elements: Boron, Silicon, Germanium, Arsenic
Physical Properties: Shiny, Brittle, Good Electrical Conductivity
Chemical Properties:
Non Metals
Key Elements: Hydrogen, Helium, Nitrogen, Oxygen
Physical Properties: Dull, Weak, Brittle
Chemical Properties: Poor heat conductor, Do not react
with air at room temperature, Poor conductor of electricity
Metals
Key Elements: Gold, Aluminum, Copper, Iron
Physical Properties: Lustrous, Malleable, High density
Chemical Properties: Great conductor of heat as well
as electricity, does not react with room temperature water
Noble Gasses
Key Elements: Neon, Krypton, Xenon, Argon
Physical Properties: Conduct electricity, colourless, odourless
Chemical Properties: Low chemical reactivity, Extremely stable, do not react with water
Halogens
Key Elements: Chlorine, Florine, Bromine, Iodine
Physical Properties: Low melting point, Low boiling point,
range of states
Chemical Properties: Cannot conduct electricity, nor heat,
react slightly with water
Transition Metals
Key Elements:Iron, Copper, Zinc, Titanium
Physical Properties: Malleable, High density, High melting point
Chemical Properties: Oxidize in air, rarely react with water,
React slowly with acids
Alkaline Earth Metals
Key Elements: Beryllium, Magnesium, Calcium
Physical Properties: Lustrous, Low density, Low melting point
Chemical Properties: Very reactive in water, air and acid
Alkali Metals
Key Elements: Lithium, Sodium, Potassium
Physical Properties: Lustrous, Soft, Low melting point
Chemical Properties: Highly reactive with air, as well as water and acid