High School Chemistry

High School Chemistry explores the fundamental principles of chemistry, including the structure of atoms, chemical reactions, and the properties of matter.

Structure of AtomsChemical ReactionsProperties of Matter
The Periodic TableChemical BondingStoichiometry and Chemical Equations
Chemistry in the KitchenEnvironmental ChemistryChemistry in Medicine
Effective Note-Taking for ChemistryMastering Chemistry CalculationsUsing Visual Aids and Models
Structure of AtomsChemical ReactionsProperties of MatterThe Periodic TableChemical BondingStoichiometry and Ch...Chemistry in the Kit...Environmental Chemis...Chemistry in Medicin...Effective Note-Takin...Mastering Chemistry ...Using Visual Aids an...
Advanced Topics

The Periodic Table

The Ultimate Organizer of Elements

The periodic table arranges all known elements in order of increasing atomic number. Elements with similar properties are grouped together in columns called families or groups.

Organization

  • Rows are called periods and indicate increasing energy levels.
  • Columns are called groups or families. Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties.

The periodic table helps predict how elements will interact and what kind of compounds they can make.

Special Sections

  • Metals are typically shiny, conductive, and malleable.
  • Nonmetals are varied in appearance and generally poor conductors.
  • Metalloids have properties in between metals and nonmetals.

Real-life Impact

The periodic table guides scientists in discovering new elements, developing new materials, and understanding biological processes.

Examples

  • Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are both in Group 1 and react explosively with water.

  • Noble gases like helium and neon are unreactive because they have full outer electron shells.

In a Nutshell

The periodic table organizes elements by atomic number and properties, making chemistry easier to understand.

Key Terms

Group
A vertical column in the periodic table containing elements with similar properties.
Period
A horizontal row in the periodic table.
Metal
An element that is typically shiny and a good conductor of heat and electricity.
Next
Chemical Bonding