Question

Describe the structure of the periodic table.

Answer 1

Periodic table: A periodic table is an arrangement of elements in the increasing order of their atomic numbers in a tabular format.

• There are 118 known elements in the periodic table.
• The elements are arranged as per their atomic numbers in a way such that the elements with similar properties appear in the same column.
• The periodic table consists of rows and columns.
• There are eighteen vertical columns called groups numbered from 1 to 18 and there are seven horizontal rows called periods in the table.
• Metals are found on the left-hand side of the periodic table.
• Non-metals are found on the right-hand side of the periodic table.
• Metalloids or semiconductors are found on the border between metals and non-metals. (These elements have a mix of metal and non-metal properties).
• The first two groups are called s-block elements (alkali metals groups 1 and 2).
• The next ten groups are called the d-block elements(transition metals groups 3-12).
• The next six groups are called p-block elements. (Contains the metalloids and non-metals, including the halogens and the noble gases from groups 13 - 18).
• The bottom of the periodic table contains two rows called f-block elements and two rows named lanthanides and actinides.