SPM Form 4: Periodic Table of elements (Checklist)

periodic table of elements
  • Periodic Table: the table showing the elements in order of increasing proton number; similar elements are arranged in columns called groups.
  • Group: A vertical column of elements in the Periodic table.
  • Period: A horizontal row of the Periodic Table; its number tells you how many electron shells there are.
  • Alkali metals: the Group I elements of the Periodic Table, which include lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium and francium.
  • Alkaline earth metals: the Group II elements of the Periodic Table, which include beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium.
  • Halogens: the Group VII elements of the Periodic Table, which include fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine.
  • Noble gases: the Group 18 elements of the Periodic Table; they are called ‘noble’ or inert gases because they are so unreactive, which include helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon and radon.
  • Transition elements: the elements in the wide middle block of the Periodic Table (elements in group 3 to group 12).
  • Metal: an element that shows metallic properties (for example conducts electricity, and forms positive ions)
  • Non-metal - an element that does not show metallic properties: the non-metals lie to the right of the zig-zag line in the Periodic Table.
  • Amphoteric oxide: An oxide that exhibits both acidic and basic properties.
  • The atomic radius is a term used to describe the size of the atom.
  • The ionization energy is the energy required to completely remove an electron from a gaseous atom or ion.
  • Electron affinity reflects the ability of an atom to accept an electron. It is the energy change that occurs when an electron is added to a gaseous atom.
  • Electronegativity is a measure of the attraction of an atom for the electrons in a chemical bond. The higher the electronegativity of an atom, the greater its attraction for bonding electrons.

Overview of Periodic Table


  • Alkali Metals (Group 1) : All group 1 metals have one valence electron. When they form ions, they will have a charge of 1+. Group 1 alkali metals are highly reactive and will react vigorously with water.
  • Alkali Earth Metals (Group 2): All group 2 metals have two valence electrons. When they form ions, they will have a charge of 2+. Group 2 alkaline earth metals are highly reactive and will react with water.
  • Transition Metals (Groups 3–10, d block): Transition metals are famous for the colored salts and colored solutions they form. Many gems contain numerous transition metals. It is hard to predict the charge of a transition metal ion because the transition metals have multiple oxidation states. One transition metal, Hg, exists as a liquid at room temperature.
  • Halogens (Group 17): Halogens (salt formers) have seven valence electrons and form ions with a charge of 1−. The halogens exist in three phases at room temperature. Fluorine is a pale-yellow gas, chlorine is a green gas, bromine is a brown-orange liquid, and iodine is a purple solid.
  • Noble (Inert) Gases (Group 18): Noble gases have a full outer shell and will not react to form ions or share electrons.
  • Lanthanides and Actinides (f Block): These elements have their valence electrons located in the f orbitals and are radioactive in nature.

STPM Chemistry Syllabus 2nd Term

Chapter 7: Chemical Energetics
7.1 Enthalpy changes of reaction, ΔH
7.2 Hess’ law
7.3 Born-Haber cycle
7.4 The solubility of solids in liquids

Chapter 8: Electrochemistry
8.1 Half-cell and redox equations
8.2 Standard electrode potential
8.3 Non-standard cell potentials
8.4 Fuel cells
8.5 Electrolysis
8.6 Applications of electrochemistry

Chapter 9: Periodic Table: Periodicity
9.1 Physical properties of elements of Period 2 and Period 3
9.2 Reactions of Period 3 elements with oxygen and water
9.3 Acidic and basic properties of oxides and hydrolysis of oxides

Chapter 10: Group 2
10.1 Selected Group 2 elements and their compounds
10.2 Anomalous behavior of beryllium
10.3 Uses of Group 2

Chapter 11: Group 14
11.1 Physical properties of Group 14 elements
11.2 Tetrachlorides and oxides of Group 14 elements
11.3 Relative stability of +2 and +4 oxidation states of Group 14 elements
11.4 Silicon, silicone and silicates
11.5 Tin alloys

Chapter 12: Group 17
12.1 Physical properties of selected Group 17 elements
12.2 Reactions of selected Group 17 elements
12.3 Reactions of selected halide ions
12.4 Industrial applications of halogens and their compounds

Chapter 13: Transition elements
13.1 Physical properties of first row transition elements
13.2 Chemical properties of first row transition elements
13.3 Nomenclature and bonding of complexes
13.4 Uses of first row transition elements and their compounds