Periodic Classification of Elements

Class 10 Subject: Science

Early Models of Periodic Table
Dobereiner’s Triads
Dobereiner arranged a group of three elements with similar properties in the order of
increasing atomic masses and called it a triad. He showed that the atomic mass of the middle
element is approximately the arithmetic mean of the other two. But, Dobereiner could
identify only following three triads from the elements known at that time.

Newlands’ Law of Octaves

When the elements are arranged according to increasing atomic masses, the physical and
chemical properties of every eighth element are similar to that of the first.
Newlands compared these octaves to the series of eight notes of a musical scale.
sa (do) re (re) ga (mi) ma (fa) pa (so) da (la) ni (ti)
H Li Be B C N O
F Na Mg Al Si P F
Cl K Ca Cr Ti Mn Fe
Co and Ni Cu Zn Y In As Se
Br Rb Sr Ce and La Zr ______ _____

Assumptions and Limitations:

1. The law was applicable for elements with atomic masses up to 40.
2. Properties of new elements discovered did not fit into the law of octaves.
3. In a few cases, Newlands placed two elements in the same slot to fit elements in the table.
4. He also grouped unlike elements under the same slot.
Mendeleev‟s Periodic Table and Law
The physical and chemical properties of elements are periodic functions of their atomic
mass.

Features of Mendeleev‟s Periodic Table

● Twelve horizontal rows, which were condensed to 7, known as periods.
● Eight vertical columns known as groups.
● Groups I to VII subdivided into A and B subgroups.
● Groups VIII doesn‟t have any subgroups and contains three elements in each row.
● Elements in the same group exhibit similar properties.

Achievements of Mendeleev‟s Periodic Table

1. A systematic study of elements: Elements with similar properties were grouped together,
that made the study of their chemical and physical properties easier.
2. Correction of atomic masses: Placement of elements in Mendeleev‟s periodic table
helped in correcting the atomic masses of certain elements. For example, the atomic mass of
beryllium was corrected from 13.5 to 9. Similarly, atomic masses of indium, gold, platinum
etc., were also corrected.
3. Prediction of properties of yet to be discovered elements: Eka-boron, eka-aluminium
and eka-silicon were the names given to yet to be discovered elements. The properties of
these elements could be predicted accurately from the elements that belonged to the same
group. These elements, when discovered were named scandium, gallium, and germanium
respectively.
4. Placement of noble gases: When discovered, they were placed easily in a new group
called zero group of Mendeleev‟s table, without disturbing the existing order.

Limitations of Mendeleev‟s Periodic Table

1. Position of hydrogen: Hydrogen resembles both, the alkali metals (IA) and the halogens
(VIIA) in properties, so, Mendeleev could not justify its position.
2. Position of isotopes: Atomic weight of isotopes differ, but, they were not placed in
different positions in Mendeleev‟s periodic table.
3. Anomalous pairs of elements: Cobalt (Co) has higher atomic weights but was placed
before Nickel (Ni) in the periodic table.
4. Placement of like elements in different groups: Platinum (Pt) and Gold (Au) has similar
properties but were placed in different groups.
5. Cause of periodicity: He could not explain the cause of periodicity among the elements.

Modern Periodic Table

Modern Periodic Law

The physical and chemical properties of elements are the periodic function of their atomic
numbers.
Cause of periodicity – It is due to the repetition of same outer shell electronic configuration
at a certain regular interval.

Periods in Modern Periodic Table

Elements present in the same period have the same number of shells which is equal to the
period number.
On moving from left to right in a given period, the number of electrons in the valence shell
increases from one to eight while the number of shells remains the same.

Number of Elements in a Period

The first period contains only two elements 1Hand2He and is known as the shortest period.
The second period (3Lito10Ne) and the third period (11Na to 18Ar) contain 8 elements each
and are known as short periods.
The fourth period (19K to 36Kr) and the fifth period (37Rb to 54Xe) contain 18 elements each
and are called long periods.
The sixth period contains 32 elements (55Cs and 86Rn) and is also known as the longest
period.
The seventh period is an incomplete period.
(After the recent discoveries of the new elements and their addition to the periodic table, the
seventh period is officially complete)

Groups in Modern Periodic Table

The modern periodic table contains 18 vertical columns known as groups.
Group 1 elements are known as alkali metals.
Group 2 elements are known as alkaline earth metals.
Group 15 elements are known as pnicogens.
Group 16 elements are known as chalcogens.
Group 17 elements are known as halogens.
Group 18 elements are known as noble gases.

Alkali Metals
The elements in the first group, lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb),
caesium (Cs), and francium (Fr) are called alkali metals.
They were given the name because they all react with water to form alkalis.
The alkali metals are all shiny, soft, highly reactive solids at standard temperature and
pressure and readily lose their outermost electron to form cations with charge +1.
Number of valence electrons = 1

Alkali Earth Metals

The elements in the second group, beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium
(Sr), barium (Ba), and radium (Ra) are called alkaline earth metals.
They were given the name because their oxides are alkaline in nature.
They are all shiny, silvery-white, somewhat reactive hard solids at standard temperature and
pressure. They lose two electrons from their outermost shell to form cations with charge +2.
Number of valence electrons = 2

Halogens
The elements in the seventeenth group (F, Cl, Br, I and As) are called halogens and exist as
diatomic molecules. The symbol „X‟ is often used generically to refer to any halogen.
They were given the name halogen, from the Greek words, Hal- (“salt”) and -gen (“to
produce”), because they all produce a wide range of salts on reacting with metals.
The halogens exist at room temperature in all three states of matter: Solid- Iodine, Astatine.
Liquid- Bromine. Gas- Fluorine, Chlorine.
Number of valence electrons = 7

Noble Gases
The elements in the eighteenth group, helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr),
xenon (Xe), and the radioactive radon (Rn) are called noble gases.
They are all odourless, colourless and monatomic gases with very low chemical reactivity.
Since their valence shell is considered to be “full”, they have little tendency to participate in
chemical reactions.
When discovered and identified, scientists thought they are exceedingly rare, as well as
chemically inert, and therefore these gases were also given the names „rare‟ or „inert‟ gases.
Number of valence electrons = 8

Classification of Modern Periodic Table

The modern periodic table is also classified into metals, non-metals and metalloids.

Metals
Metals are electropositive as they form bonds by losing electrons.
In general cases, oxides of metals are basic in nature.

Non-metals
Non-metals are electronegative as they form bonds by gaining electrons.
In general cases, oxides of non-metals are acidic in nature.

Metalloids
The elements which show the properties of both metals and non-metals are called metalloids
or semimetals.
For example – Boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, tellurium, and polonium.

Trends in the Modern Periodic Table

Trends in Modern Periodic Table

In a group – Elements have the same number of valence electrons.
Down the group – number of shells increases.
In a period – Elements have the same number of shells.
Along the period – valence shell electrons increase by one unit.

Variation of Valency
Valency of an element can be calculated from the electronic configuration in two ways –
Valency = number of valence electrons (if they are 1, 2, 3 or 4).
Valency = 8 – number of valence electrons (if they are 5, 6, 7 or 8).
All the elements of a group have the same number of valence electrons. Therefore, they all
have the same valency.
Along the Period: - Valency first increases from 1 to 4, then decreases to zero.

Variation of Atomic Size

Atomic size or radii: It is defined as the distance from the centre of the nucleus to the valence
shell of the atom.
Along the period – Atomic radius decreases because effective nuclear charge increases by
one unit and it pulls valence electrons or the electron cloud closer to the nucleus.
Down the group – Atomic radius increases because new shells are added, hence, the distance
between the nucleus and valence electrons or the electron cloud increases.

Variation of Metallic Properties

Along the period – Metallic character decreases because the tendency to lose valence
electrons decreases due to increasing nuclear charge.
Down the group- As the distance between the nucleus and outermost electron increases,
nuclear pull decreases. This increases the tendency of an atom to lose valence electron/s,
hence metallic character increases.

Variation of Non-metallic Properties

Along the period – Non-metallic character increases as the tendency to gain electrons in the
valence shell increases due to increasing nuclear charge.
Down the group – As the distance between the nucleus and valence shell increases, nuclear
pull decreases. This decreases the tendency of an atom to gain an electron its valence shell,
hence non-metallic character decreases.

Variation of Electronegativity
Along the period – Electronegativity increases as the tendency to gain electrons in the
valence shell increases due to increasing nuclear charge.
Down the group – As the distance between the nucleus and valence shell increases, nuclear
pull decreases. This decreases the tendency of an atom to gain an electron, hence
electronegativity decreases.

Introduction to Periodic Classification of Elements

Why Classification?
Without the classification of elements, it would be extremely difficult and time-consuming to
individually study the chemistry of all the elements. Hence, to simplify and systematize the
study of elements and their compounds, they are classified into groups and periods.
Questions Page number 81
1. Did Döbereiner’s triads also exist in the columns of Newlands’ Octaves? Compare
and find out.
Solution: Döbereiner‟s triads did exist in the columns of Newlands‟ Octaves; For example,
the elements Lithium (Li), Potassium (K) and Sodium (Na) constitute a Dobereiner‟s Triad
but are also found in the second column of Newland‟s Octaves.
2. What were the limitations of Döbereiner’s classification?
Solution:
(i) They were not applicable for very low mass or very high mass elements.
 (ii) All the elements couldn‟t fit into Dobereiner‟s triads.
(iii) As the methods to calculate atomic mass improved, Dobereiner‟s triads
validity began to decrease. For example, in the triad of F, Cl and Br, the arithmetic
mean of atomic masses of F and Br are not equal to the atomic mass of CI.
3. What were the limitations of Newlands’ Law of Octaves?
Solution: Limitations of Newlands‟ Law of Octaves are as follows
 Newlands‟ Law of Octaves applicable to elements up to Calcium
 Newland assumed there are 56 elements in the nature and no more elements would
be discovered in the future.
 To fit elements into table Newland put two elements into one slot. Newland
introduced unlike elements with different properties into one column.
 Iron (Fe) was placed away from elements that resembles in properties. Ex: Nickel
and cobalt
Questions Page number 85
1. Use Mendeleev’s Periodic Table to predict the formulae for the oxides of the
following elements: K, C, AI, Si, Ba.
Solution: K- K2O C-C2O4 or CO2 Al- Al2O3
Si-Si2O4 or SiO2 Ba2O2 or BaO
2. Besides gallium, which other elements have since been discovered that were left by
Mendeleev in his Periodic Table? (Any two)
Solution:
Germanium and Scandium are the element that are left by Mendeleev in his Periodic
Table since its discovery.
3. What were the criteria used by Mendeleev in creating his Periodic Table?
Solution:
Mendeleev concentrated on various compounds formed by the elements with
Hydrogen and Oxygen. Among physical properties, he observed the relationship between the
atomic masses of various elements while creating his periodic table.
4. Why do you think the noble gases are placed in a separate group?
Solution:
Noble gases are placed in a separate group because of their inert nature and low
concentration in our atmosphere. They are kept in a separate group called Zero group so that
they don‟t disturb the existing order.
Questions Page number 90
1. How could the Modern Periodic Table remove various anomalies of Mendeleev’s
Periodic Table?
Solution:
(a) In the Modern Periodic table elements are arranged in the increasing order of their
atomic number. This removes the anomaly regarding certain pairs of elements in
Mendeleev‟s periodic table.
(b) Atomic number of cobalt is 27 and nickel is 28. Hence cobalt will come before
nickel even though its atomic mass is greater.
c) All isotopes of the same elements have different atomic masses, but same atomic
number; therefore they are placed in the same position in the modern periodic table.
2. Name two elements you would expect to show chemical reactions similar to
magnesium. What is the basis for your choice?
Solution:
Calcium and Beryllium are similar to Magnesium because all the three elements
belong to the same group and have 2 valence electrons in their outer shell.
3. Name
(a) Three elements that have a single electron in their outermost shells.
(b) Two elements that have two electrons in their outermost shells.
(c) Three elements with filled outermost shells
Solution:
(a) Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na) and potassium (k) have a single electron in their
outermost shells.
(b)Magnesium (Mg) and Calcium (Ca) have two electrons in their outermost shells
(c) Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar and Xenon (Xe) filled outermost shells
4.
a) Lithium, sodium, potassium are all metals that react with water to liberate
hydrogen gas. Is there any similarity in the atoms of these elements?
(b) Helium is an unreactive gas and neon is a gas of extremely low reactivity.
What, if anything, do their atoms have in common?
Solution:
a)They‟ve one valence electron in their outermost shells and as a result of this, they
are very unstable. So, they readily react with water to liberate hydrogen. They are also called
alkali metals.
 b)Their outermost shells are full leading to high stability. They react only in extreme
circumstances and hence are called noble gases.
5. In the Modern Periodic Table, which are the metals among the first ten elements?
Solution:
Lithium and Beryllium are the metals among the first ten elements in Modern
Periodic Table.
6. By considering their position in the Periodic Table, which one of the following
elements would you expect to have maximum metallic characteristic? Ga Ge As Se Be
Solution:
Among the elements listed in the question. Be and Ga are expected to be most
metallic. Out of Be and Ga, Ga is bigger in size and hence has greater tendency to lose
electrons than Be. Therefore, Ga is more metallic than Be.
Exercise questions Page number 91-92
3. Which element has?
(a) Two shells, both of which are completely filled with electrons?
(b) The electronic configuration 2, 8, 2?
(c) A total of three shells, with four electrons in its valence shell?
(d) A total of two shells, with three electrons in its valence shell?
(e) twice as many electrons in its second shell as in its first shell?
Solution:
a) Neon has two shells which are completely filled.
b) Silicon has the electronic configuration 2, 8, 2
c) Carbon has a total of three shells, with four electrons in its valence shell
d) Boron a total of two shells, with three electrons in its valence shell
e) Magnesium has twice as many electrons in its second shell as in its first shell
4.
(a) What property do all elements in the same column of the Periodic Table as
boron have in common?
(b) What property do all elements in the same column of the Periodic Table as
fluorine have in common?
Solution:
(a)All the elements which lie in me same column as that of boron belong to group 13.
Therefore, they have three electrons in their respective valence shells. Except, boron which is
a non-metal, all other elements (i.e., aluminum, gallium, indium and thallium) in this group
are metals.
(b) All elements in the same column of the Periodic Table as fluorine have in common
three electrons in their valence shell and they all are belong to group thirteen.
5. An atom has electronic configuration 2, 8, 7.
(a) What is the atomic number of this element?
(b) To which of the following elements would it be chemically similar? (Atomic numbers are
given in parentheses.) N(7), F(9), P(15), Ar(18)
Solution:
(a)The element with electronic configuration (2+8+7) 17 is chlorine. The no. of atomic
number = no. of electrons Therefore, atomic number is 17.
(b) An atom with electronic configuration 2, 8, 7 would be chemically similar to F (9)
6. The position of three elements A, B and C in the Periodic Table are shown below–
Group 16 Group 17
- -
- A
- -
B C
(a) State whether A is a metal or non-metal.
(b) State whether C is more reactive or less reactive than A.
(c) Will C be larger or smaller in size than B?
(d) Which type of ion, cation or anion, will be formed by element A?
Solution:
(a) Element A is a non-metal
(b)Element C is less reactive than Element A
(c) C is smaller in size than B
(d)A will form anion
7. Nitrogen (atomic number 7) and phosphorus (atomic number 15) belong to group 15
of the Periodic Table. Write the electronic configuration of these two elements. Which
of these will be more electronegative? Why?
Solution:
Atomic number of Nitrogen is 7 hence Electronic configuration of Nitrogen is 2,5
 Atomic number of Nitrogen is 15 hence Electronic configuration of Phosphorous is 1s
2,8,5
On moving down a group in the periodic table, the number of shell increases. Because
of which valence electrons move away from the electrons and the effective nuclear charge
decreases. This causes the decrease in the tendency to attract electron and hence electro
negativity decreases. Because of all these reasons Nitrogen is more electronegative than
phosphorus.
8. How does the electronic configuration of an atom relate to its position in the Modern
Periodic Table?
Solution:
The number of valence electrons decides an atom‟s position in the periodic table
while the electronic configuration decides the number of valence electrons.
9. In the Modern Periodic Table, calcium (atomic number 20) is surrounded by
elements with atomic numbers 12, 19, 21 and 38. Which of these have physical and
chemical properties resembling calcium?
Solution:
Calcium has an atomic number of 20, and thus has an electronic configuration
of 2, 8, 8, 2. Thus, calcium has 2 valence electrons. The electronic configuration of the
element having atomic number 12 is 2, 8.2. Thus, this element with 2 valence
electrons resemble calcium the most.
10. Compare and contrast the arrangement of elements in Mendeleev’s Periodic Table
and the Modern Periodic Table.
Solution:
Mendeleev’s Periodic Table Modern Periodic Table
Elements are arranged in the increasing order Elements are arranged in the increasing order
of their atomic masses. of their atomic numbers.
There are 8 groups There are 18 groups
Each groups are subdivided into sub group 'a' Groups are not subdivided into subgroups.
and 'b'
Groups for Noble gas was not present as A separate group is meant for noble gases.
noble gases were not discovered by that time
There was no place for isotopes. This problem has been rectified as slots are
determined according to atomic number.