Weekly Blog 3/24/17 - The Periodic Table

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/Periodic_table_large.png/1280px-Periodic_table_large.png

Summary

The periodic table organizes the elements by atomic weight and similar properties. The first version of the periodic table was created by Dmitri Mendeleev. On the right of the periodic staircase (the green stair like line on the right side of the table), there are the non-metals. On the left side, there is the metals. A period is a row in the table, a family is a column. Elements share similar properties and are grouped together within the family. They have the same amount of electrons on the outer layer of the atom. This is what gives them similar properties. In order from left to right, first there are the alkaline metals, they have 1 electron in the outer shell and are highly reactive. Next, there are the alkaline earth metals which have 2 electron in the outer shell. They are less reactive than the alkaline metals but still reactive. Third is the transition metals. These are all of the elements in between the towers on both sides, they are good conductors. Then, there's the Boron family which has 3 electrons in the outer shell. After that there is the nitrogen family, which has 5 electrons. Next is the oxygen family and then the halogens. Lastly, there is the noble gases with a complete set of 8 electrons sin the outer shells. Due to that, they don't react with anything.

SP6: Constructing explanations and designing solutions

This week I constructed explanations on why the periodic table is organized the way it is by looking at things like how many electrons elements have on their outer shell as well as what properties they have and what their atomic numbers are. By looking at patterns in different atoms I was able to learn about the relationship between elements in families and how they have similar properties. I learned that the periodic table is organized by atomic number as well as properties in the element. 

XCC: Structure and Function

The function or properties of an atom or element is very dependent on its structure. For one, the amount of protons in an element is what defines the atom. If you added just one proton to an atom, you would have a 

completely different element. In addition to that the amount of electrons will also affect the atom. If you take away or add an electron the charge of the atom will change.