Hunting The Elements Worksheet

Understanding the Periodic Table and the Elements

The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of the known chemical elements, organized by their atomic number (number of protons in the nucleus), electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. The elements are listed in order of increasing atomic number (number of protons in the nucleus) and are grouped into rows called periods and columns called groups or families.

Identifying Elements on the Periodic Table

To identify an element on the periodic table, you need to know its atomic number and symbol. The atomic number is a unique identifier for each element, and the symbol is a one- or two-letter abbreviation for the element’s name. For example, the element with atomic number 6 is carbon, and its symbol is C.

🔍 Note: The atomic number is also equal to the number of electrons in a neutral atom of the element.

Element Categories

Elements can be categorized into several groups based on their properties and electron configurations. The main categories are:

• Metals: Typically shiny, malleable, and good conductors of electricity. Examples: sodium (Na), iron (Fe), copper (Cu).
• Nonmetals: Typically dull, brittle, and poor conductors of electricity. Examples: carbon ©, nitrogen (N), oxygen (O).
• Metalloids: Intermediate in properties between metals and nonmetals. Examples: silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As).

Element Groups and Periods

The periodic table is arranged in a way that elements with similar properties and electron configurations are placed in the same group or period.

Groups (Families)

Elements in the same group have the same number of electrons in their outermost energy level and exhibit similar chemical properties. The groups are labeled with numbers (1-18) and are also known as families.

Periods

Elements in the same period have the same number of electron shells and exhibit recurring chemical properties. The periods are labeled with numbers (1-7) and are also known as rows.

Activity: Hunting the Elements

Use the periodic table to answer the following questions:

• What is the symbol for the element with atomic number 10?
• Which group does the element with atomic number 17 belong to?
• What is the name of the element with atomic number 26?

🔍 Note: Use the periodic table to find the answers.

Solutions

• The symbol for the element with atomic number 10 is Ne.
• The element with atomic number 17 belongs to group 17 (halogens).
• The name of the element with atomic number 26 is Iron (Fe).

Additional Practice

Use the periodic table to answer the following questions:

• What is the symbol for the element with atomic number 20?
• Which group does the element with atomic number 15 belong to?
• What is the name of the element with atomic number 30?