The periodic table
AQA GCSE Chemistry revision on The periodic table. Aligned to the AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462 specification. This bank has 26 practice questions on this topic.
Sample questions (3 of 26)
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Question 1
Elements in the SAME GROUP of the periodic table have...
- A) Same number of protons
- B) Same number of outer-shell electrons
- C) Same mass
- D) Same number of neutrons
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Answer: Same number of outer-shell electrons
Group number = outer-shell electrons (for groups 1, 2, 3-7). Same outer-shell electrons -> similar reactions. Group 1 (alkali metals - 1 outer electron): all react violently with water. Group 7 (halogens - 7 outer electrons): all coloured non-metals, react with metals. Group 0 (noble gases - full outer shell): unreactive.
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Question 2
Group 1 elements (alkali metals) become MORE reactive as you go down the group because...
- A) They get smaller
- B) The outer electron is further from the nucleus and easier to lose
- C) They have more protons
- D) Temperature drops
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Answer: The outer electron is further from the nucleus and easier to lose
Group 1 atoms have ONE outer electron. To react, they LOSE it (forming +1 ions). Going down the group: more electron shells -> outer electron is further from the nucleus AND shielded by inner shells -> less strongly held -> easier to lose -> more reactive. Caesium reacts explosively with water; lithium just fizzes.
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Question 3
Group 7 elements (halogens) become LESS reactive as you go down the group because...
- A) They are bigger and gain the 8th outer electron less easily
- B) They lose electrons more easily
- C) Temperature changes
- D) They are heavier
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Answer: They are bigger and gain the 8th outer electron less easily
Group 7 atoms have SEVEN outer electrons. To react, they GAIN one (forming -1 ions). Going down: more shells -> outer shell further from nucleus -> weaker attraction for an incoming electron -> less reactive. Fluorine is the most reactive non-metal; iodine is much less reactive. Opposite trend to Group 1.
Want to test yourself on the remaining cards for this topic?
23 more questions on The periodic table — plus mistakes tracking and spaced repetition across the whole Chemistry spec.