Notes on Periodic Table
1. Reasons for Classification of Elements
• Helps to study elements systematically.
• Correlates properties of elements with properties of matter.
• Defines relationships between different elements.
Early classifications (based on physical properties like density, malleability, ductility, etc.)
failed because:
- Too many elements in one group.
- Characteristics changed under conditions.
- Some elements showed both metallic & non-metallic nature.
Key Discovery: William Prout → discovered atomic mass is constant for an element →
became scientific basis for classification.
2. Döbereiner’s Triads (1817)
• J.W. Döbereiner (German chemist).
• Grouped elements into triads (groups of 3 with similar properties).
• Atomic mass of middle element ≈ average of other two.
Examples:
- Ca (40), Sr (88), Ba (137) → (40+137)/2 = 88.5 ≈ Sr.
- Cl (35.5), Br (80), I (127) → (35.5+127)/2 = 81.25 ≈ Br.
Merits: First attempt to relate properties with atomic mass.
Limitations:
- Could not include all elements.
- Law not applicable to all triads (e.g., F, Cl, Br).
- Only few triads known → not successful.
3. Newland’s Law of Octaves (1864)
• John Newland (English chemist & music lover).
• Law: When elements are arranged in increasing atomic mass, every 8th element has
similar properties (like 8th note in music octave).
Merits:
- Systematic arrangement of lighter elements.
- Related properties with atomic mass.
- Showed periodicity in properties.
Limitations: Worked only up to calcium.
4. Periodic Trends
Atomic size:
- ↓ Down a group → increases (new shells).
- → Across a period → decreases (nuclear pull ↑).
Metallic character:
- ↓ Down a group → increases.
- → Across a period → decreases.
Valency:
- Across a period → varies systematically.
- Down a group → same.
5. Special Notes
• Hydrogen → unique, can’t be fixed in one group (resembles both Group 1 & 17).
• Transition metals → show variable valency, form colored salts.
• Lanthanides (Z=57–71) & Actinides (Z=89–103) → placed separately to maintain
structure.
One-Liners
• Modern periodic table based on atomic number (Moseley).
• 7 periods, 18 groups.
• Group 1 → Alkali metals (valency 1, highly reactive).
• Group 2 → Alkaline earth metals (valency 2).
• Group 17 → Halogens (salt formers, very reactive).
• Group 18 → Noble gases (inert, monoatomic).
• Periodic trends: Atomic size ↓ across a period, ↑ down a group.
• Metallic nature ↑ down a group, ↓ across a period.
Group Details
Alkali Metals (Group 1)
• Elements: Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr.
• Soft, light metals.
• Valency = 1.
• Form soluble hydroxides (strongly alkaline).
• React vigorously with water → produce hydrogen gas + alkali.
• Found in nature as salts (NaCl, KNO₃).
• Stored under kerosene (very reactive).
Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2)
• Elements: Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra.
• Harder than alkali metals.
• Valency = 2.
• Form oxides & hydroxides that are alkaline but less soluble than Group 1.
• Calcium compounds: CaCO₃ (limestone), CaSO₄·2H₂O (gypsum).
• Mg & Ca important in biological systems.
Halogens (Group 17)
• Elements: F, Cl, Br, I, At.
• Non-metals, very reactive.
• Valency = 1.
• Form salts with metals (NaCl).
• Exist as diatomic molecules (Cl₂, F₂, Br₂).
• Reactivity decreases down the group (F most reactive).
• Uses: disinfectants (Cl₂), photography (AgBr), iodised salt (I₂).
Noble Gases (Group 18 / Zero Group)
• Elements: He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn.
• Monoatomic gases.
• Chemically inert (outermost shell complete).
• Colourless, odourless, tasteless.
• Low boiling & melting points.
Uses:
- He → balloons, cryogenics.
- Ne → neon signs.
- Ar → inert atmosphere for welding, light bulbs.
- Xe → lamps, lasers.
Quick-Recall
• Group 1 → soft, reactive, valency 1.
• Group 2 → harder, valency 2, less soluble hydroxides.
• Group 17 → salt formers, very reactive, valency 1.
• Group 18 → inert, monoatomic gases, complete octet.
• Mendeleev’s periodic table → based on atomic mass.
• Modern periodic table is based on atomic number only.
