Key learning 1: the atomic structure and properties of elements are used to organise them in the Periodic table

Key learning 2: different types of chemical reactions are used to produce a range of products that can occur at different rates

Recognise that elements in the same group of the periodic table have similar properties.

Elements in the same groups have the same number of electrons in their outer shell. They also share similar reactive and physical properties. 

Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. They can be malleable (molded) and ductile (stretched). Metals have high melting and boiling points.

Metallic bonds are the electrostatic attraction between metal ions arranged in a lattice structure with free flowing electrons. 

The link below will explain covalent bonding and demonstrate the different ways to represent covalently bonded structures

Investigate the chemical activity of metals

Predict and write word and chemical equations using a valency chart for the following:

• acid + metal hydroxide --> salt + water
• acid + metal oxide --> salt + water
• acid + carbonate --> salt + carbon dioxide + water
• acid + hydrogen carbonate --> salt + carbon dioxide + water
• acid + metal --> salt + hydrogen gas

Need help? Click here. 

What is a decomposition reaction? Write the chemical reaction for the decomposition of a carbonate. 

Describe the structure of atoms in terms of electron shells

Basic structure of the atom. Note the charges of the proton, neutrons and electrons:

Electron shells accommodate different numbers of electrons. The electron configurations for the first 20 electrons is explained below:

Investigate the chemical activity of metals

Click below for a full-size poster detailing the reactivity of metals

Isotopes are atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Many elements have naturally occurring isotopes, however, one isotope is usually much more abundant than the others. 

An ion is an atom or molecule that carries an electric charge. 

Ionic bonding is an electrostatic attraction that involves the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another. 

Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction

Review the Law of Conservation of Mass and learn how to rearrange atoms below:

For instructions on how to balance chemical equations, watch this clip:

Use this tool to help you learn how to balance equations: