Families of Elements

Chapter 4Section 3

The groups Metals-an element that is shiny and

conducts heat and electricity well. Non-metals are elements that are bad

conductors of heat and electricity. Semiconductor- conducts heat and

electricity somewhere in the middle between metals and non-metals.

How are elements classified? Certain elements share certain

similarities. Elements are classified into three

groups.

Alkali Metals Alkali metals are very reactive. They can be found on the left edge

of the periodic table. Not usually found on their own in

nature (they usually have reacted already)

Found in compounds (NaCl)

Alkali-Earth metals Less reactive. Are classified as group 2 and can

be found in the second column on the periodic table.

Can be found in: limestone, human body, and airplanes among other things.

Transition metals Least reactive Are found in columns 3-12 of the

periodic table. Shift from being similar to group 2

metals to being more similar to group 13 metals on the right.

Gold, silver, and platinum are examples

Non metals Most are located on the right of the

periodic table. Very plentiful on earth. Include Noble gases which are

“inert” or non reactive. Examples of non-metals are,

chlorine, carbon, silicon, radon.