Unlocking the Periodic Table: Predicting Element Properties

Chemistry Grades High School 5:46 Video
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Lesson Description

This lesson explores the organization of the periodic table and how it can be used to predict the properties of elements based on their electron configurations.

Video Resource

GCSE Chemistry - Group 1 Alkali Metals

Cognito

Duration: 5:46
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Key Concepts

  • Periodic Trends (electronegativity, ionization energy, atomic radius)
  • Electron Configuration
  • Valence Electrons
  • Organization of the Periodic Table (groups/families, periods, metals, nonmetals, metalloids)

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify and explain periodic trends.
  • Students will be able to determine the electron configuration of an element.
  • Students will be able to predict the properties of an element based on its position on the periodic table and electron configuration.
  • Students will be able to relate electron configuration to the reactivity of an element.

Educator Instructions

Interactive Exercises



Discussion Questions

  • How does the electron configuration of an element influence its properties?
  • Why are periodic trends important for understanding chemical reactions?
  • Can you predict the properties of an unknown element based on its position on the periodic table?

Skills Developed

  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Data analysis
  • Scientific reasoning

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following elements has the highest electronegativity?

Correct Answer: Chlorine (Cl)

Question 2:

As you move down a group on the periodic table, atomic radius generally:

Correct Answer: Increases

Question 3:

The number of valence electrons in an atom of oxygen (O) is:

Correct Answer: 6

Question 4:

Which of the following elements is a halogen?

Correct Answer: Bromine (Br)

Question 5:

Ionization energy generally increases as you move:

Correct Answer: Up a group and to the right

Question 6:

Which of the following elements is most likely to form a +2 ion?

Correct Answer: Magnesium (Mg)

Question 7:

The elements in group 1 are known as:

Correct Answer: Alkali Metals

Question 8:

Which element has the electron configuration 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁵?

Correct Answer: Chlorine (Cl)

Question 9:

Which of the following describes the trend for electronegativity across a period?

Correct Answer: Increases from left to right

Question 10:

What is the most stable electron configuration?

Correct Answer: A full outer electron shell

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Elements in the same __________ have similar chemical properties.

Correct Answer: group

Question 2:

The energy required to remove an electron from an atom is called __________.

Correct Answer: ionization energy

Question 3:

The attractive force that an atom has for electrons in a chemical bond is called __________.

Correct Answer: electronegativity

Question 4:

The electrons in the outermost energy level are called __________ electrons.

Correct Answer: valence

Question 5:

The element with the highest electronegativity is __________.

Correct Answer: fluorine

Educational Standards

CH.PS1.1:[Standard] Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms. CH.PS1.2:[Standard] Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties, and formation of compounds.

Teaching Materials

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