The periodic table is like a giant map of elements. It is organized into groups and periods that help us understand what the elements are like.

Groups are the columns in the table.

• When elements are in the same group, they have similar qualities.
• This is because they have the same number of valence electrons, which are the electrons that help form bonds with other atoms.
• For example, in Group 1, which holds the alkali metals, each element has 1 valence electron.
• These metals are very reactive, meaning they easily combine with other elements.

Periods are the rows in the table.

• Elements in the same period have the same number of electron shells.
• For instance, in Period 2, we have elements like Lithium (Li) and Beryllium (Be).
• As you move across this period, the properties of the elements change from more metallic to less metallic, or non-metallic.

Now, let’s look at some trends:

• As you go down a group, the atomic radius gets bigger.

• This means the size of the atoms increases.

• On the other hand, as you move from left to right across a period, electronegativity usually goes up.

• Electronegativity is a measure of how much an atom wants to attract electrons.

These patterns in the periodic table help scientists predict how elements will behave.