Groups of the Periodic Table
Alkali Metals
 Group 1a
 one valence electron
 Very reactive!
 React with moisture in air—stored under oil or kerosene
 Form H2 in water--fire
 Form a basic solution in water
 Soft metal
 Can cut with knife
 Tarnish rapidly
Alkaline Earth Metals
 Group 2A
 2 valence electrons
 Reactive, but not as reactive as Alkali Metals
 Found in minerals
 Essential for bones, nerve impulses
Transition Metals
 B Group
 d-block
 Harder metals
 Form positive ions with a varying charge
 Can’t tell number of valence electrons
 Colorful solutions
 Gemstones-chromium: red; titanium and cobalt: blue
 Found free (uncombined) in nature
 Gold and silver
 Coinage metals
Halogens
 Group 7A
 7 valence electrons
 Very reactive nonmetals
 Form negative ions
 Group has gases, a liquid and a solid
 Ions important to human body
Noble Gases
 Group 8A
 Contain a full outer shell
 8 valence electrons
 Except He has only 2—still full!
 Very unreactive
 Also called Inert Gases
 Can be used in areas to prevent combustion