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AQA GCSE Chemistry key terms

The periodic table Key Terms

Study The periodic table with curriculum-aligned Key Terms resources, practice links, and exam-focused support.

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key terms

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Topic

The periodic table

AqaGcseChemistryAtomic structure and the periodic table

Key terms

  • non-metal

    An element that typically does not form positive ions.

  • positive ion

    A charged particle formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.

  • metals

    Elements that are typically found on the left side and in the centre of the periodic table, known for forming positive ions.

  • periodic table

    A tabular arrangement of elements organized by increasing atomic number, where metals are located in specific regions.

  • non-metal

    An element that typically does not form positive ions and is found on the right side of the periodic table.

  • periodic table

    A tabular arrangement of elements organized by increasing atomic number, showing trends in properties and grouping metals and non-metals.

  • metals

    Elements that react to form positive ions and typically have high electrical and thermal conductivity.

  • non-metals

    Elements that do not usually form positive ions and often have lower electrical and thermal conductivity compared to metals.

  • metal

    An element that typically reacts to form positive ions.

  • non-metal

    An element that does not usually form positive ions.

  • electron arrangement

    The distribution of electrons in an atom's electron shells, which influences its chemical reactivity.

  • atomic number

    The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity and position in the periodic table.

  • Group 0

    The group in the periodic table that contains noble gases, characterized by having a full outer electron shell.

  • noble gases

    Elements in Group 0 of the periodic table that are unreactive due to their stable electron arrangements.

  • noble gases

    Elements in Group 0 of the periodic table that are characterized by having a full outer electron shell, making them unreactive.

  • stable electron arrangement

    An electron configuration where the outer shell of an atom is fully occupied, resulting in low reactivity.

  • helium

    A noble gas with two electrons in its outer shell.

  • noble gases

    Elements in Group 0 that have stable electron arrangements and are generally unreactive.

  • noble gases

    Elements in Group 0 of the periodic table that are unreactive due to their stable electron arrangements.

  • molecules

    Groups of two or more atoms bonded together, which noble gases do not easily form.

  • noble gases

    Elements in Group 0 of the periodic table that are characterized by having a full outer electron shell, making them unreactive.

  • boiling point trend

    The observed increase in boiling points of noble gases as you move down Group 0 in the periodic table.

  • Group 0 elements

    Elements in Group 0 of the periodic table, known as noble gases, which are characterized by having a complete outer electron shell.

  • trends down Group 0

    Patterns observed in the properties of noble gases, such as boiling points, as one moves down the group in the periodic table.

  • Group 1 elements

    Elements in the first column of the periodic table, known as alkali metals.

  • alkali metals

    Highly reactive metals in Group 1 of the periodic table, characterized by having one electron in their outer shell.

  • Group 1 elements

    Elements in the first column of the periodic table, known as alkali metals, that have one electron in their outer shell.

  • outer shell

    The highest energy level of electrons in an atom, which determines the chemical properties of an element.

  • alkali metals

    Elements in Group 1 of the periodic table, characterized by having one electron in their outer shell.

  • reaction with oxygen

    The chemical process that occurs when lithium, sodium, and potassium combine with oxygen, resulting in the formation of metal oxides.

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