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The group number gives us the number of electrons in the outer shell of an element.

Periodic Table 1

The Periodic Table organises elements by atomic number. This GCSE Chemistry quiz explores groups, periods, metals and non-metals, and how electron structure links to properties and reactivity.

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Fascinating Fact:

The halogens in Group 7 are reactive non-metals and form 1− ions by gaining one electron. Their reactivity decreases down the group.

In GCSE Chemistry, the Periodic Table is a map of patterns. Elements are arranged by atomic number, and this layout groups elements with similar chemical behaviour. You learn that groups run down the table and link to the number of outer-shell electrons, while periods run across and link to the number of electron shells. Understanding where an element sits helps you predict whether it is a metal or non-metal, how it forms ions, and why properties like conductivity, melting point, and reactivity change in a logical way.

Key Terms

Atomic number: The number of protons in an atom’s nucleus, which defines the element.
Electron shell: A region around the nucleus where electrons are found, arranged in energy levels.
Outer-shell electrons: Electrons in the highest energy level, which largely control chemical reactions and bonding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Periodic Table arranged in GCSE Chemistry?

In GCSE Chemistry, the Periodic Table is arranged by increasing atomic number. Elements with similar properties line up in the same group because they have the same number of outer-shell electrons.

What is the difference between a group and a period?

A group is a vertical column where elements have the same number of outer-shell electrons and similar reactions. A period is a horizontal row where elements have the same number of electron shells.

How can you predict an element’s properties from its position?

You can predict properties by using group and period information. The group suggests how an element forms ions and reacts, and the period shows how many electron shells it has, which affects size and reactivity.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Mendeleev used what property of elements to sort them in his table?

Atomic number

Atomic mass

Boiling point

Initial letter

He started a new row after every 8 elements

2 .

What property is used in the modern periodic table to sort the elements?

Atomic number

Mass number

Boiling point

Initial letter

Atomic number was unknown at the time of Mendeleev

3 .

Group 1 elements are called...

transition metals

noble gases

alkaline earth metals

alkali metals

All group 1 metals react with water to produce an alkali solution

4 .

Group 8 is sometimes numbered as group 0 or group 18, but what is its trivial name?

Noble gases

Transition elements

Halogens

Alkali metals

For the purposes of GCSE, these elements are regarded as being inert (unreactive)

5 .

The non-metals are found...

on the left of the table

on the right of the table

in the centre of the table

at the bottom of the table

Remember the 'step'. Some of the elements either side of the 'step' on the periodic table have properties of both metals and non-metals. They are sometimes referred to as being metalloids or semi-metals

6 .

The vertical columns of the periodic table are referred to as...

periods

columns

groups

rows

Each group has a number and many have names

7 .

Horizontal rows of the periodic table are called...

periods

columns

groups

rows

They are so-called because periodically it is necessary to begin a new row to make sure that elements with similar properties and electron configuation can be grouped together

8 .

Most schools teach using a form of the periodic table that shows only 8 group numbers. On this form of the periodic table, the group number gives us what information about an element?

The number of protons in the nucleus

The number of neutrons in the nucleus

The number of electrons in the outer shell

The number of electrons around the nucleus

Elements bond using the electrons in their outer shell, so this is a quick and useful way of finding the number of outer shell electrons without having to work out the full electron arrangement. The exception is group 8 - helium only has 2 electrons in its outer shell

9 .

Pick the correct list of elements found within the transition block.

Gold, copper, sodium, platinum, iron

Iron, gold, platinum, tungsten, nickel

Iron, platinum, mercury, magnesium, vanadium

Lithium, arsenic, copper, zinc, silver

It's not essential to know where all of the elements fit on the periodic table but it can be helpful and save you time in an exam if you know where to look for some of the most common ones

10 .

Pick the list containing ONLY non-metals.

Carbon, sulfur, aluminium, iodine, selenium

Boron, oxygen, germanium, silver, sulfur

Boron, carbon, sulfur, radon, chlorine

Aluminium, calcium, carbon, fluorine, phosphorous

Knowing your metals from your non-metals is also a helpful time-saver in exams

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - The periodic table

Author: Kate Gardiner (Chemistry Educator & GCSE Quiz Writer)

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