The document summarizes the organization and properties of the modern periodic table. It is organized into blocks that include metals, nonmetals, metalloids, representative elements, transition metals, and inner transition metals. Key points about the properties and common uses of elements in each block are provided, such as lithium used in batteries, calcium essential for bones, and the noble gases being colorless and nonreactive.

1. Organization of the Modern
Periodic Table
QBA Miguel A. Castro Ramírez

2. Metals, Nonmetals, and Metaloids
metals- those elements on the left side of
the chart.
high luster, electrically conductive
Malleable

3. nonmetals- those elements on the right
side of the chart.
no luster
brittle, nonmalleable
non conductive
metaloids- elements with properties of
both metals and nonmetals.

4. The Representative Elements

5. The Transition Metals

6. Inner Transition Metals

7. Hydrogen
Although in Group 1A, hydrogen shares
few properties with other elements in the
group.
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in
the universe. Over 90% of the mass in the
universe is hydrogen.
Hydrogen can behave like a metal or a non-
metal.

8. The Alkali Metals
Alkali (arabic al-qili – meaning “ashes of a
saltwort plant”)
These Group 1A elements react with water
to form alkaline (basic) solutions.
Most are soft enough to cut with a knife

9. Lithium
Least reactive in group.
Similar to Magnesium
Common Compounds:
Lithium Hydride – Batteries
Lithium Carbonate – treat bipolar
disorder.

10. Sodium and Potassium
Most abundant of the Group 1A
elements
Both react “vigorously” with water.
Common Compounds
Sodium chloride – table salt
Potassium chloride – “salt” substitute.

11. The Alkali Earth Metals
Alchemy used the word “earth” to describe
elements that did not melt in fire.
Most compounds of this group do not
dissolve in water.

12. Beryllium
Used to control nuclear reactions
Used to make tools for the petroleum
industry

13. Calcium
Essential in humans for bones and teeth.
Calcium Carbonate – antacid, major component
of limestone, chalk, and marble.
Lime – calcium oxide.
Magnesium
Useful in the construction of strong and
lightweight alloys.
Magnesium oxide – high melting point

14. Strontium
Fireworks “red” color
Barium
Used to color glass.
Some compounds used for medical
diagnostics.
Radium
Highly radioactive – once used to paint
the hands on watches to glow in the dark.

15. The Boron Group
These elements are always found
combined with other elements in
nature.
Boron
Least representative.
Borax –
Borosilicate glass – withstands high
temperature differences.

16. Aluminum
Most abundant metal in the earth’s crust.
Bauxite – ore of aluminum oxide. It is
used as an abrasive.
Gallium
Gallium Arsenide – converts solar energy
from electricity.
Gallium based laser – “blue-ray” DVD

17. The Carbon Group
Wide range of properties within one
group.
Carbon
Organic and biological chemistry.
Inorganic compounds.

18. Compounds of itself.
Graphite, Coal, Diamond.
Allotropes – same elements in the same state
with different structures and properties.

19. Silicon
Used in computer chips and solar cells.
Silca – silicon dioxide. Major component
of sand.
Lead
Lead was one of the first metals
separated from ore. Once used for
plumbing, now known to cause brain
damage.
Car batteries.

20. The Nitrogen Group
Nitrogen- colorless, odorless gas; makes up
78% of Earth’s atmosphere. Common
element in explosives.
Phosphorus – essential for plant growth.
Antimony, Arsenic, and bismuth
Arsenic sulfide – toxic but used at one
time to treat illness

21. Antimony sulfide – makeup to darken
eybrows.
Bismuth- “Pepto-bismol” and in Wood’s
alloy (fire sprinklers)

22. The Oxygen Group (Chalcogens)
Oxygen
Two common allotropes
O2 – 21% of the earth’s atmosphere
O3 – unstable gas that decomposes
under heat and UV radiation
The most abundant element in earth’s
crust.

23. Sulfur
Yellow with multiple allotropes
Sulfur dioxide – emission responsible for
acid rain
Hydrogen sulfide – “rotten egg” smell.
Silver sulfide – silver tarnish

24. Selenium
Sodium Selenate - found in
multivitamins. Works with Vitamin E to
prevent cell damage.
Locoweed – contains toxic
concentrations of selenium.
Used in solar panels, photocopiers, and
microprocessors

25. Polonium
Rare
Radioactive
Extremely Toxic
Discovered by Marie and Piere Curie
(1898). Named for her homeland
(Poland)

26. The Halogens
Flourine
The most reactive nonmetal.
Added to toothpaste and drinking water
to prevent decay.
Chlorine
Although a toxic gas, is used to disinfect
sewage and drinking water.

27. Bromine and Iodine
Sodium Bromide, and Sodium Iodine
coat photographic film.
Goiter – condition where body is
deprived of iodine. Ex: Iodized salt.
Water purification tablets.

28. The Noble Gases
Colorless and non reactive
Helium
Used by divers to prevent the bends.
Found on earth in Natural gas wells.
Texas is a leading supplier of Helium.

29. Neon, Argon, and Krypton
Light displays
Argon is used in high temperature
welding to prevent combustion.

30. Radon
Radioactive gas

31. Transition Metals
“B” Groups
Most are solids at room temperature with
high melting points.
The more unpaired electrons the greater
the hardness and higher the melting
point.
Can vary in their loss of electrons

32. Inner Transition Metals
Lanthanide Series
“Silvery” metals with high melting
points.
Typically found mixed together in nature
and very difficult to refine.
Neodymium and Praseodymium –
Welder’s Glasses
Yttrium oxide and europium oxide – TVs
and CRTs

33. Actinide Series
Radioactive
Only 3 exist in nature
Transuranium element – synthetic
elements exist beyond Atomic number
92.
Plutonium – nuclear “fuel” for power
plants.
Americium – smoke detectors.