Groups and Families

Alkali metals

The alkali metals, found in group 1 of the periodic table, are highly reactive metals. These metals have only one electron in their outer shell. Therefore, they are ready to lose that one electron in ionic bonding with other elements. As with all metals, the alkali metals are malleable, ductile, and are good conductors of heat and electricity. The alkali metals are softer than most other metals. Alkaline earth metals The alkaline earth elements are metallic elements found in group 2 of the periodic table. All alkaline earth elements have an oxidation number of +2, making them very reactive. Halogens The halogens are five non-metallic elements found in group 17 of the periodic table. All halogens have 7 electrons in their outer shells, giving them an oxidation number of -1. The members the halogen family go from gas->liquid->solid at room temperature as you descend the group. Noble gases The noble gases are found in group 18 of the periodic table. These elements have an oxidation number of 0. This prevents them from forming compounds. All noble gases have 8 electrons in their outer shell, making them stable and highly non-reactive.

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