Question

What is the need for classification of elements?

Answer 1

• Classification is necessary in order to compare the physical and chemical properties of the elements and arrange the same kind of elements in the same group.
• There are nearly 118 elements known and we need to study them all.
• But, it is impossible to remember all the physical and chemical properties of each and every element so we need to classify them on the basis of some similar characteristics so that, if we study one element we would be able to understand the properties of others too.

In the modern periodic table, elements are arranged in the increasing order of their atomic number. As we know, the physical and chemical properties of elements are the periodic function of atomic numbers.

The advantages of classification of the elements in the Periodic Table are:

• Classification helps us to analyze and understand the properties of the elements and their compounds more systematically and orderly.
• Classification helps us to predict the properties of the elements and their compounds based on their positions in the Periodic Table, and vice versa.
• It becomes easier to study, understand, compare and contrast the related properties among the elements and their compounds from different groups.