Atomic StructureTopic Summary

Knowledge Organiser: The Periodic Table

Part of The Periodic Table · GCSE GCSE Chemistry revision

This topic summary covers Knowledge Organiser: The Periodic Table 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 13 of 13 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 13 of 13

Practice

20 questions

Recall

24 flashcards

Knowledge Organiser: The Periodic Table

Key Terms

Group: Vertical column, same outer electrons
Period: Horizontal row, same number of shells
Metal: Left/centre, conducts, forms + ions
Non-metal: Right, poor conductor
Atomic number: Basis for ordering

Must-Know Facts

Group = number of outer shell electrons
Period = number of occupied shells
Same group = same outer electrons = similar properties
Group 1: reactivity increases down
Group 7: reactivity decreases down
Group 0: full outer shell, unreactive
Ordered by atomic number, NOT atomic mass

Key Equations

Group number = number of outer shell electrons
Period number = number of occupied electron shells
Atomic number = proton number (ordering principle)

Common Mistakes

Saying the table is ordered by atomic mass: Mendeleev used mass, but the modern table is ordered by atomic number (proton number)
Confusing group and period trends: Group 1 reactivity increases DOWN; Group 7 reactivity decreases DOWN
Saying metals are only on the left: Transition metals occupy the large central block too
Forgetting Group 0 is unreactive: Full outer shell = stable = won't form ions or bonds under normal conditions

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Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in The Periodic Table. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Exam Tips — The Periodic Table The Chemist's Map The Periodic Table — Key Features

Practice Questions for The Periodic Table

How are elements arranged in the modern periodic table?

A. In order of increasing atomic number
B. In order of increasing relative atomic mass
C. Alphabetically by element name
D. In order of decreasing density

1 markfoundation

Mendeleev's periodic table was eventually accepted by other scientists. Explain why scientists were convinced that his table was correct.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Where are non-metals found?

On the right side of the periodic table

What are the Group 1 elements called?

Alkali metals (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr)

20 questions on The Periodic Table — practise free

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Exam Tips — The Periodic Table

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The Periodic Table