how are elements classified
Answer (2)
Answer:Elements are classified based on their properties, which are determined by the arrangement of their electrons. Here's a breakdown: 1. Periodic Table:The most common way to classify elements is through the periodic table. It arranges elements in order of increasing atomic number (number of protons in the nucleus).Periods (Rows): Elements in the same row have the same number of electron shells.Groups (Columns): Elements in the same column have the same number of valence electrons (electrons in the outermost shell) and share similar chemical properties. 2. Metal, Nonmetal, Metalloid:Metals: Typically shiny, malleable (can be hammered into sheets), ductile (can be drawn into wires), good conductors of heat and electricity. Located on the left side of the periodic table.Nonmetals: Generally dull, brittle, poor conductors of heat and electricity. Located on the right side of the periodic table.Metalloids (Semimetals): Have properties of both metals and nonmetals. Found along the "staircase" line that separates metals and nonmetals. 3. Other Classifications:Alkali Metals (Group 1): Highly reactive metals.Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2): Reactive metals, but less so than alkali metals.Halogens (Group 17): Highly reactive nonmetals.Noble Gases (Group 18): Very unreactive gases.Transition Metals: Located in the middle of the periodic table, known for their variable oxidation states and colorful compounds.Lanthanides and Actinides: Two rows of elements placed below the main periodic table, known for their radioactivity. In Summary:The periodic table is the primary tool for classifying elements, based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and resulting properties. Within the periodic table, elements are further categorized into metals, nonmetals, metalloids, and other groups based on their shared characteristics.
Elements are classified into different groups based on their atomic number or in other words, by the number of electrons in their atomic structure.
