Columns
Columns on the periodic table are referred to as "groups" or "families." Elements that fall within the same group share similar properties. The group number of an element can tell how many valence electrons that element contains. Elements in column one have one valence electron while elements in column two have two valence electrons. The transition metals, however, are skipped when counting valence electrons in this manner so the thirteenth column on the periodic table is actually counted as the third.
Major Groups
The periodic table can be divided into eleven major groups:
1) Alkali Metals: Column one 2) Alkali-earth Metals: Column two 3) Transition Metals: Columns three to twelve 4) Lanthanides: Upper row below table 5) Actinides: Lower row below table 6) Boron Group: Column thirteen 7) Carbon Group: Column fourteen 8) Nitrogen Group: Column fifteen 9) Oxygen Group: Column sixteen 10) Halogens: Column seventeen 11) Noble Gases: Column eighteen |
Other Resources on Columns of the Periodic Table
Explanatory Video
Web Resources
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/elem_pertable.html
http://chemistry.about.com/od/k12gradelessons/a/periodictable_2.htm
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/the-periodic-table-families-and-periods.html
http://chemistry.about.com/od/k12gradelessons/a/periodictable_2.htm
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/the-periodic-table-families-and-periods.html
Image Sources:
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/art/elem_pertable3.gif
http://www.sawyerscience.com/assets/periodic_table_families.gif
http://images.tutorcircle.com/cms/images/44/periodic-table3.PNG
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/art/elem_pertable3.gif
http://www.sawyerscience.com/assets/periodic_table_families.gif
http://images.tutorcircle.com/cms/images/44/periodic-table3.PNG