Science Common Sense

1725 - What is the classification in the periodic table?

The periodic table is classified into groups and periods.

• Groups (or families): These are the vertical columns in the periodic table. Elements in the same group have similar properties, like how metals or nonmetals behave. There are 18 groups in total.

• Periods: These are the horizontal rows in the periodic table. Elements in the same period have the same number of electron shells and get bigger as you move from left to right.

We also classify elements into Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids:

• Metals: usually shiny and conduct electricity
• Nonmetals: usually dull, don't conduct electricity
• Metalloids: have some properties of metals, some of nonmetals.

Lastly, we also have the Blocks, which is how the elements are arranged by where their electrons are in the atom.

• s-block: elements with electrons in the outer s-orbital
• p-block: elements with electrons in the outer p-orbital
• d-block: elements with electrons in the outer d-orbital
• f-block: elements with electrons in the outer f-orbital