​In this mini-lesson, we will be focusing on two learning targets:

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​2.05 I can determine whether an element is a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid

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​2.06 I can identify the alkali metals, the alkaline earth metals, the halogens, the noble gases, the transition elements and the lanthanides and actinides in the periodic table

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​For more information about this topic, please see:

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• ​Lesson 10 Breaking the Code: The Periodic Table in your text

• ​The appropriate Slides in the Unit 1, Chapter 2 Learning Target Slide Deck

​There are three main types of elements:

• ​Metals are the most abundant type of element. They tend to be shiny, hard, and good conductors of electricity and heat.

• ​Nonmetals are gases or dull, brittle solids that are poor conductors of heat and electricity.

• ​Metalloids have properties of both metals and nonmetals.

​Elements can also be classified as a "main group element", as a "transition element."

• ​The main group elements (also called the representative elements) are those in groups that have an "A" in them (1A, 2A, 3A-8A) or in groups 1, 2, 13-18.

• ​The transition elements are in the "B" groups. They have less predictable properties than those in the main groups.

  • The lanthanides and actinides are often called the inner transition metals, because their true position is in period 6 and 7

​In the periodic table, elements are arranged into vertical columns known as groups.

• ​Elements that are in the same group have similar chemical properties.

• Some of the groups have names:

  • ​Alkali metals are Group 1/1A elements (EXCEPT H)

  • ​Alkaline earth metals are Group 2/2A

  • ​Halogens are Group 17/7A

  • ​Noble gases are Group 18/8A

Alkali metals are Group 1/1A elements (EXCEPT H)

• ​Very reactive metals

• ​Have one valence electron

• ​Form +1 cations

Alkaline earth metals are Group 2/2A elements

• ​Also very reactive metals

• ​Have two valence electron

• ​Form +2 cations

Halogens are Group 17/7A elements

• ​Very reactive nonmetals

• ​Have 7 valence electron

• ​Form -1 anions

Noble gases are Group 17/7A elements

• ​Inert (nonreactive, stable) nonmetals

• ​Have 8 valence electron

• Do not form ions