This definitions covers Key Definitions within The Periodic Table for GCSE Chemistry. Revise The Periodic Table in Atomic Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 24 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 7 of 12 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Topic position
Section 7 of 12
Practice
20 questions
Recall
24 flashcards
📖 Key Definitions
Group: A vertical column in the periodic table. Elements in the same group have the same number of outer shell electrons and similar chemical properties.
Period: A horizontal row in the periodic table. Elements in the same period have the same number of occupied electron shells.
Metal: An element that is typically shiny, malleable, conducts electricity and heat, and forms positive ions. Found on the left and centre of the periodic table.
Non-metal: An element with properties opposite to metals — poor conductors, brittle in solid form, often gases. Found on the right of the periodic table.
Atomic number: The number of protons in the nucleus; the property used to order elements in the modern periodic table.