THE PERIODIC

CLASSIFICATION OF
ELEMENTS
THE PERIODIC CLASSIFICATION OF
ELEMENTS
Chemists from the time that the elements
were discovered knew that many elements
closely resembled each other in physical
and chemical properties. Attempts were
made to classify the elements on the basis
of physical and chemical properties.
1817
Dobereiner noted that within a group of
elements closely related to each other in
chemical properties, atomic weights are either
nearly the same or else the atomic weight of the
middle element is approximately the arithmetic
mean of the other two. These triads of
Dobereiner represent the first reported attempt at
classification
1850
PETTENKOFER suggested that among
chemically similar elements, successive
differences in atomic weights amount to a constant
or to a multiple of some constant

1857
ODLING arranged the elements into 13
groups on the basis of similarities in
chemical and physical properties, the
members of each group listed in the
order of increasing atomic weights
1862
The first real periodic classification was the
“TELLURIC SCREW” proposed by DE
CHANCOURTOIS. Using a cylinder as a base,
he divided its surface into 16 equal segments
and plotted atomic weights on the genetrix. De
Chancourtois stated that “properties of the
substances are the properties of the numbers.”
1864 – 1866
NEWLANDS noted that when elements are
placed in the order of increasing atomic
weights, similarities in the chemical and
physical properties reappeared after an interval
of 8 elements and termed this concept as the
“Law of Octaves”
1869
Final evolution of the periodic classification
came as a result of the independent efforts of
DMITRI MENDELEEV who considered the
chemical properties of the elements. He is
the FATHER OF THE PERIODIC TABLE.
LOTHAR MEYER considered the physical
properties of the elements
1913
HENRY MOSELEY discovered while
working on x-ray diffraction that nuclear
charge controls the character and
population of the electronic energy level
which in turn determine the properties of
elements.
The PERIODIC LAW is now stated as
“the physical and chemical properties of
elements are periodic functions of their
atomic number.”
Horizontal rows on the periodic chart are called periods.

Vertical columns are called groups.

Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties

 
 
Metals are on the left side of the heavy zig‐zag line on the periodic table

Nonmetals are on the right side of the heavy zig‐zag line on the periodic
table (with the exception exception of H).

Metalloids border the zig‐zag line (with the exception of Al and Po).
 

 
 TYPES OF ELEMENTS BASED UPON THE
ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATION OF THEIR ATOMS

A. INERT GASES
Elements are characterized by atoms in which all the
subsidiary quantum numbers are filled to capacity. They
are members of Group VIII A in the periodic table.
 
B. REPRESENTATIVE ELEMENTS
s and p orbitals are partially occupied. They are the s-
block and p-block elements
C. TRANSITION ELEMENTS
Characterized by elements in which an inner d-level is
present but not filled to capacity
 
D. INNER TRANSITION ELEMENTS
Contain incompletely filled d-levels as well as
incompletely filled f-levels
USES OF THE PERIODIC TABLE
The table can be used to predict the properties
of elements, even those that have not yet
been discovered.
Columns (groups) and rows (periods) indicate
elements that share similar characteristics.
The table makes trends in element properties
apparent and easy to understand.
The table provides important information used
to balance chemical equations
TRENDS IN THE PERIODIC TABLE
1.Metallic Property

2.Nonmetallic Property

3.Atomic Radius is one half the

5. Electron affinity – is the energy change associated with

6. Electronegativity is the ability of a bonded atom to attract

7. Ionic size
• A negative ion is formed when electrons are gained by an
atom.
• A positive ion is formed when electrons are lost by an atom.
From left to right within a given period,
metallic property and atomic radius
decreases while ionization energy, electron
affinity, and electronegativity
Increases.
From top to bottom within a given group or
family, metallic property and atomic radius
increases while, ionization energy, electron
affinity, and electronegativity decreases.
EXERCISES
Use the Periodic Table to answer the
following:
1. Arrange the following in the order of increasing ionic size:
Ar, K+1, Cl-1, S-2, Ca+2
2. Arrange the following in the order of increasing ionization
energy: As, Sn, Br, Sr
3.Predict which element in each of these pairs has the highest
electronegativity:
• a.Li, N b.K, Ca c.S, Se
• d.F, Cs e.K, Cu
4.Predict which element in each of these pairs has the greatest
ionization energy.
• a.Li, Ne b.Na,Cl c.K, Cs
• d.K, Cu:
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To is similar to Ge but more metallic
M has more proton than Co
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To is similar to Ge but more metallic
M has more proton than Co
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To is similar to Ge but more metallic
M has more proton than Co
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To
M
is similar to Ge but more metallic
has more proton than Co
N
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea We
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2 He
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To
M
is similar to Ge but more metallic
has more proton than Co
N
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho W
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea We
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2 He
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To
M
is similar to Ge but more metallic
has more proton than Co
N
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho W
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea Ge We
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2 He
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To
M
is similar to Ge but more metallic
has more proton than Co
N
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho W
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea Ge Y We
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2 He
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To
M
is similar to Ge but more metallic
has more proton than Co
N
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho W
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea Ge Y We Co
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2 He
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To
M
is similar to Ge but more metallic
has more proton than Co
N
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho W
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea Ge Rl Y We Co
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2 He
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To
M
is similar to Ge but more metallic
has more proton than Co
N
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho W
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea Ge Rl Y We Co
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2 He Mi
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To
M
is similar to Ge but more metallic
has more proton than Co
N
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho W
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea Ge Rl Y We Co
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2 To He Mi
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To
M
is similar to Ge but more metallic
has more proton than Co
N
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho W
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea Ge Rl Y We Co M
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2 To He Mi
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To
M
is similar to Ge but more metallic
has more proton than Co
N
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho W
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea Ge Rl Y We Co M
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2 E To He Mi
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To
M
is similar to Ge but more metallic
has more proton than Co
N
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho W
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea Ge Rl Y We Co M
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2 E To He Mi
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To
M
is similar to Ge but more metallic
has more proton than Co
N Ow
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho W
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea Ge Rl Y We Co M
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2 E To C He Mi
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To
M
is similar to Ge but more metallic
has more proton than Co
N Ow
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho W
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea Ge Rl Y We Co M
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2 E To C He Mi Ry
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To
M
is similar to Ge but more metallic
has more proton than Co
N Ow
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St
 Below are 18 of the first 20 elements in the hypothetical
periodic table, each represented by a fictitious symbol.
Exercise 2 Using the information and symbols given, fit each of these
elements into the proper place in the periodic table.
Ea is the first member of Period 2
Ho has the lowest atomic weight of
any of the elements
N is the most metallic element
We and He are members of Group 5,
with He having the largest atomic radius
Ho W
W has the first orbit complete but has no
p-electrons or other s-electrons
Ge has the structure of 1s2 2s2 Ea Ge Rl Y We Co M
Y has a valence of +4 or -4
Ge and Co unite to form GeCo2, both
elements being in Period 2 E To C He Mi St Ry
Rl is between Ge and Y in Period 2
Ge and Mi unite to form GeMi
To
M
is similar to Ge but more metallic
has more proton than Co
N Ow
E forms an ion with a valence of +1
Ge, To, Ow are members of the same
family, Ow being the most metallic of
the three
C has an atomic number of 14
Ry has an electron configuration of 2, 8, 8
St has an electronic symbol of St