UNIT OVERVIEW

The periodic table organises all 118 known elements in a way that helps us predict their behaviour. Think of it as a map showing which elements are similar and how they will react.

In this unit, you will use what you learned about atomic structure (protons, neutrons, electrons, and electron configurations) to understand why elements are arranged the way they are on the periodic table.

What You Will Learn

• How elements are positioned based on atomic number and electron configuration
• The meaning of groups (vertical columns) and periods (horizontal rows)
• Why elements in the same group share similar chemical properties
• How to identify metals, non-metals, and metalloids
• The special properties of Groups 1, 2, 17, and 18
• How to predict element properties using the periodic table

Why This Matters

• Gold and platinum mining: South Africa has large reserves of these metals. Their positions on the periodic table explain their stability and how to extract them.
• Chlorine in swimming pools: Chlorine's position in Group 17 explains why it kills bacteria effectively.
• Smartphone batteries: Lithium (Group 1) is light and reactive—perfect for portable batteries.
• Computer chips: Silicon is a metalloid with semiconductor properties that make digital technology possible.

---