What are the common family names for the elements in groups 1, 2, 17, and 18?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The common family names for the elements in groups 1, 2, 17, and 18 of the periodic table are:
- Group 1: Alkali Metals
- Group 2: Alkaline Earth Metals
- Group 17: Halogens
- Group 18: Noble Gases
Explanation
The periodic table is organized into groups (vertical columns) that categorize elements with similar chemical properties due to their valence electron configurations. These similarities result in common family names for the groups:
- Group 1 – Alkali Metals
These elements (e.g., lithium, sodium, potassium) are highly reactive metals with one electron in their outermost shell. This single electron is easily lost, making alkali metals very reactive, especially with water, to form alkaline solutions. They are soft, low-density metals and are found only in compounds in nature due to their reactivity. - Group 2 – Alkaline Earth Metals
Elements like magnesium and calcium belong to this group and have two electrons in their outer shell. They are less reactive than alkali metals but still form basic (alkaline) solutions when reacting with water. These metals are harder and denser than alkali metals and are often found in the Earth’s crust in mineral compounds. - Group 17 – Halogens
Halogens (e.g., fluorine, chlorine) are nonmetals with seven valence electrons, making them highly reactive. They readily gain one electron to form negative ions or participate in covalent bonding. Halogens exist as diatomic molecules and are known for forming salts with alkali metals. - Group 18 – Noble Gases
Noble gases (e.g., helium, neon, argon) are characterized by their complete valence electron shells, making them chemically inert under normal conditions. These gases are colorless, odorless, and used in applications requiring non-reactive environments.
These family names help categorize elements based on shared chemical behaviors and periodic trends.