Nora and Sam are two high school students who are curious about the periodic table. They decide to do some research with different sources and websites to learn more about this topic.
They start by looking at a printed copy of the periodic table, which shows the symbols and names of all the elements. They notice that the elements are arranged in rows called periods and columns called groups. They also notice that the elements have different colors, which indicate their categories, such as metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. They wonder what these categories mean and how they relate to the properties of the elements.
They use their laptops to visit a website called [ptable.com](https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/periodictable/educational-resources-for-ages-15-18.html), which is an interactive online periodic table. They learn that they can click on any element to see more information, such as its atomic number, atomic mass, electron configuration, and physical and chemical properties. They also learn that they can switch between different views, such as orbitals, isotopes, compounds, and trends. They explore the website and discover many interesting facts and patterns about the elements.
They see that metals are elements that are shiny, malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity. They also see that metals tend to lose electrons and form positive ions, or cations, when they react with other elements. They see that most of the elements on the periodic table are metals, and that they are located on the left and center of the table.
They see that nonmetals are elements that are dull, brittle, and poor conductors of heat and electricity. They also see that nonmetals tend to gain electrons and form negative ions, or anions, when they react with other elements. They see that there are only 17 nonmetals on the periodic table, and that they are located on the right of the table.
They see that metalloids are elements that have properties of both metals and nonmetals. They also see that metalloids can act as semiconductors, which means that they can conduct electricity under certain conditions. They see that there are only 7 metalloids on the periodic table, and that they are located along a diagonal line that separates the metals and nonmetals.
They also see that some elements have special names and symbols, such as the lanthanides and actinides, which are two rows of elements that are usually placed below the main table. They learn that these elements are also called the inner transition metals, and that they have similar properties and configurations. They also learn that some of these elements are synthetic, which means that they are not found in nature and are created in laboratories or nuclear reactors.
Nora and Sam are impressed by the periodic table and feel that they have learned a lot about the elements. They decide to write some questions and answers based on their research to test their knowledge. Here are some examples:
Q: What are the names of the horizontal and vertical arrangements of elements on the periodic table?
A: The horizontal arrangements are called periods, and the vertical arrangements are called groups.
Q: What are the names of the main categories of elements on the periodic table?
A: The main categories are metals, nonmetals, and metalloids.
Q: What are some properties of metals?
A: Metals are shiny, malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity.
Q: What are some properties of nonmetals?
A: Nonmetals are dull, brittle, and poor conductors of heat and electricity.
Q: What are some properties of metalloids?
A: Metalloids have properties of both metals and nonmetals, and can act as semiconductors.
Q: What are the names of the two rows of elements that are usually placed below the main table?
A: The two rows are called the lanthanides and actinides, or the inner transition metals.
Q: What does it mean if an element is synthetic?
A: It means that the element is not found in nature and is created in laboratories or nuclear reactors.