Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
having a full valence shell. Atoms on the left side of the periodic table
are metals. These atoms generally have three or fewer electrons in their
outermost shell, so they tend to donate their electrons. A metal can
lose its valence electrons and gain stability because the shell below the
valence shell is full of electrons. Elements in group 1 lose one electron
and have a charge of +1. The elements in group 2 lose two electrons and
form +2 charges, and the elements in group 13 form +3 charges. The
charges for the transition metals vary.
The nonmetals are closer to the right side of the periodic table and have
more than four valence electrons. Therefore, nonmetals tend to gain
electrons in ionic bonds or share electrons in covalent bonds. Elements in
group 14 bond covalently. Those in groups 15, 16, and 17 form -3, -2, and
-1 charges, respectively. The elements in group 18 are known as the
noble
gases
. They have a full valence shell and do not bond with other elements.
Connections
The elements in group 1 of the periodic table are known as the
alkali
metals
. Alkali metals only have one valence electron and are not stable
in their natural state. The reactivity of the alkali metals increases as you
move down the group, making lithium the least reactive and francium
the most reactive. These elements are so reactive that they will react
explosively with water. When an alkali metal reacts with water, it causes
the water molecules to split and release hydrogen gas into the air. The
heat from the reaction often causes the hydrogen gas, also very reactive,
to ignite. Because of the extreme reactivity of the alkali metals, they
must be stored under special conditions. The less reactive metals like
lithium, potassium, and sodium can be stored in a container of mineral
oil. The more reactive metals require storage in pressurized tubes filled
with noble gases.
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