Question

Draw the best periodic table you can from memory (do not look at a table to do this). You do not need to label the elements, but you should put the correct number of elements in each block. After your group agrees that the group has done its best, spend exactly three minutes comparing your table with Figure 9.26. Make a second periodic table from memory. Is it better than your first one?

Short answer

The second attempt at drawing the periodic table from memory is likely better than the first due to the comparison with an actual periodic table and corrections made.

Step-by-step solution

Recall the Periodic Table Structure

Start by recalling that the periodic table is divided into several blocks. There are 2 elements in the first period, the second and third periods each have 8 elements, the fourth and fifth have 18, and the sixth and seventh have 32 due to the inclusion of the f-block. Remember that the periods are horizontal rows and groups or families are vertical columns.

Sketch the Periodic Table Framework

Using the structure from Step 1, sketch the periodic table framework. Draw seven horizontal rows for the periods and 18 columns for the groups. Ensure that you properly separate the main group elements (s- and p-blocks), the transition metals (d-block), and the inner transition metals (f-block, also known as the lanthanides and actinides), which are typically represented below the main part of the table.

Refine the Table

Once you have the basic structure, allocate the right number of placeholders for each element within the corresponding period. Remember that the first period has only 2 elements, hydrogen and helium, followed by periods with increasing numbers of elements. Be sure to leave appropriate space for the d-block elements starting from the fourth period and the f-block starting from the sixth period.

Compare with the Actual Periodic Table

After finalizing the sketch, spend exactly three minutes comparing your table with the actual periodic table in your textbook or another reliable source. Take note of any differences or omissions.

Draw a Second Periodic Table from Memory

With the improvements and corrections in mind from Step 4, draw a second version of the periodic table from memory. Make sure to address the previous mistakes and adjust the sketch based on your comparison with the actual periodic table.

Evaluate the Second Attempt

Look over the second attempt to verify whether it is more accurate than the first. Consider the placement of the elements, numbering, and the overall structure in this evaluation.

Key concepts

Periods and Groups in Periodic Table

Understanding the layout of the periodic table is crucial for anyone studying chemistry. The table is organized into rows and columns, known as periods and groups.

Periods are horizontal rows that sequence elements based on their increasing atomic number, which is the number of protons an atom possesses. Each period correlates with the highest energy level of electrons that elements in that row contain. For instance, the very first period has only two elements, hydrogen and helium, because there is only one principal energy level (or shell) for electrons and it can only hold two electrons.

On the other hand, groups or families are the vertical columns. Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties because they have the same number of electrons in their outermost shell, also known as valence electrons. This is why elements in a group tend to exhibit trends in their chemical reactivity. For example, the alkali metals in group 1 are all highly reactive.

In practicing to recall and draw the periodic table from memory, as the exercise suggests, one would benefit from acknowledging these patterns in periods and groups because they help place elements correctly.

Block Division of Periodic Table

The periodic table is further categorized into blocks that reflect the electron orbital types that the valence electrons of the elements occupy. This block division is essential for predicting various chemical properties and behaviors of the elements.

The s-block includes the first two groups of the periodic table, known for housing the alkali and alkaline earth metals. Next is the p-block, which contains the last six groups, featuring elements like the halogens and noble gases. Together, the s- and p-blocks make up what are known as the main group elements.

The d-block consists of transition metals and spans groups 3 to 12. These elements are characterized by their filling d-orbitals and are notable for their metallic properties and complex ion formation.

Finally, the f-block, located below the rest of the table, comprises the lanthanides and actinides. These elements are known as inner transition metals and are involved in filling the f-orbitals.

Remembering which block an element belongs to can assist in placing it accurately on the table during memorization exercises, as the unique characteristics of each block's elements often define their position.

Element Placement in Periodic Table

The placement of elements in the periodic table is not arbitrary; it follows specific rules based on atomic structure.

As you recall the layout from memory, keep in mind that the number of elements in each period increases as you move down the table due to the expanding nature of the electron shells. Hydrogen and helium are placed in the first period, while the following periods feature more elements, correlating with the increased capacity of the electron shells.

For transition metals in the d-block, their initiation starts at the fourth period as representational exceptions to the underlying patterns. They exhibit distinctive characteristics and trends such as variable oxidation states and colored compounds. The inner transition metals in the f-block, which are typically placed separately below the main table, begin at the sixth period and include elements that have diverse radioactive properties and are often associated with high atomic numbers.

Enhancing your memory of the periodic table is not just about the sequence of elements but also understanding the underlying principles governing their placement. Each element's position gives clues about its properties and the type of chemical reactions it may partake in.