Group (Chemistry)

Key Stage 3

A Group is a column on the Periodic Table with elements with the same number of electrons on the Outer Shell.

Helium, in Group 0 is an exception to this rule as it has 2 electrons in its Outer Shell.

The elements are arranged groups of similar chemical properties.

Elements have similar chemical properties when they have the same number of electrons in the Outer Shell.

The chemical properties of elements within a group are similar. However, the reactivity within a group changes as you move up or down the periods.

Group 1: The Alkali Metals all react strongly with water. The reactivity increases as you go down the group.
Group 2: The Alkali Earth Metals all react strongly with steam and acids. The reactivity increases as you go down the group.
Group 7: The Halogens all act as bleaching agents and kill bacteria. The reactivity decreases as you go down the group.
Group 0: The Noble Gases are all inert (unreactive).

The physical properties of elements within a group are similar. However, the property changes gradually as you move down the group.

A Group is a column on the Periodic Table with elements with the same number of electrons on the Outer Shell.

Helium, in Group 0 is an exception to this rule as it has 2 electrons in its Outer Shell.

The elements were oringally arranged groups of similar chemical properties.

It was later discovered that elements have similar chemical properties when they have the same number of electrons in their Outer Shells.

The chemical properties of elements within a group are similar. However, the reactivity within a group changes as you move up or down the periods due to the number of Electron Shells.

Alkali Metals are all highly reactive and will oxidise quickly in the presence of Oxygen.

Alkali Metals all react strongly with water to produce metal hydroxides and Hydrogen gas.

Alkali Metals all produce strong alkalis.

	In a chemical reaction the electron in the outer shell is lost. The reactivity increases as you go down the group because: The outer electron is further away from the nucleus with each additional electron shell making the force of attraction weaker. This makes it easier for an atom to lose it's outer electron. Even though the charge of the nucleus increases the outer electron is shielded from most of the positive charge of the nucleus by electrons in the inner shells.

Alkali Metals have a low density compared to other metals.

Alkali Metals are all solid at room temperature but have a low melting point compared to other metals.

Alkali Metals are soft and can be easily cut.

Alkali Metals all appear shiny (before they oxidise).

Group 2: The Alkali Earth Metals all react strongly with steam and acids. The reactivity increases as you go down the group.
Group 7: The Halogens all act as bleaching agents and kill bacteria. The reactivity decreases as you go down the group.
Group 0: The Noble Gases are all inert (unreactive).