Elements in the same group in the periodic table will have similar chemical properties
This is because they have the same number of outer electrons so will react and bond similarly
The group number of an element which is given on the periodic table indicates the number of electrons in the outer shell (valence electrons)
This rule holds true for all elements except helium; although is in group 0, it has only one shell, the first and innermost shell, which holds only 2 electrons
We can use the group number to predict how elements will react as the number of valence shell electrons in an element influences how the element reacts.
Therefore, elements in the same group react similarly
By observing the reaction of one element from a group, you can predict how the other elements in that group will react
By reacting two or more elements from the same group and observing what happens in those reactions you can make predictions about reactivity and establish trends in reactivity in that group
For example, lithium, sodium and potassium are in group 1 and can all react with elements in group 7 to form an ionic compound
The group 1 metals become more reactive as you move down the group while the group 7 metals show a decrease in reactivity moving down the group
Why Noble Gases are Unreactive
The elements in group 0 of the periodic table are called the noble gases
They are all non-metal, monatomic (exist as single atoms), colourless, non-flammable gases at room temperature
The group 0 elements all have full outer shells of electrons; this electronic configuration is extremelystable
Elements participate in reactions to complete their outer shells by losing, gaining, or sharing electrons
The Group 0 elements do not need to do this, because of their full outer shells which makes them unreactive and inert
Other than helium which has 2 electrons in its outer shell, the noble gases have eight valence electrons (which is why you may see this group labelled “group 8”)
Electronic configurations of the Noble gases:
He = 2
Ne = 2, 8
Ar = 2, 8, 8
Kr = 2, 8, 18, 8
Xe = 2, 8, 18, 18, 8
The periodic table highlighting the noble gases – they occupy the group furthest to the right