|Characteristic |Pattern down a group |Pattern across a period |
|Atomic number and mass number |Increases |Increases |
|Atomic radius |Increases |Decreases |
|Melting points |Deceases for groups I to V and increases from groups |Gently increases then decreases |
| |V to VIII | |
|Reactivity |Metals become more reactive and non-metals become |Is high, then decreases and then increases. Group |
| |less reactive |VIII elements are inert and do not react. |
|Metallic character |Increases |Decreases |
The period table contains eight groups of elements; some have been given special, unique names.
• Group I elements are known as the alkali metals. The alkali metals all react strongly with water to form basic solutions.
• Group II elements are referred to as the alkaline Earth Metals.
• Group VII elements are known as the halogens. The halogens are brightly coloured elements. Chlorine is green, bromine is red-brown and iodine is silvery-purple.
• Group VIII elements are known as the noble gases. The noble gases are inert and do not readily react with other substances.
• The block of elements in the middle of the table is known as the transition metal blocks.
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