Chemistry study notes
Periodicity and Metals
Find patterns in the Periodic Table and use evidence to predict reactions.
O-Level 5086 / 5088 (2026) / SEC G3 K326 / K328 (2027)
Choose a topic
7 topicsRead position from electron arrangement
Proton number orders the table; outer electrons explain recurring behaviour.
Group 1: lithium, sodium and potassium
Similar products, increasingly vigorous reaction with water.
Group 17: identify displacement from the evidence
A more reactive halogen oxidises a less reactive halide.
Recognise noble gases and transition metals
Electron arrangement explains one family; characteristic properties identify another.
Build the metal reactivity series from experiments
More reactive metals form positive ions more readily.
Use reactivity to explain extraction and heating
Strongly bound compounds of reactive metals are harder to break down.
Prevent rust by removing a condition or supplying protection
Rusting needs both oxygen and water.
Scope and references
Learning outcomes and sources
8. Periodicity and Metals (5086 / 5088 / K326 / K328). Use the outcome map to find the explanation for a particular syllabus requirement.
See the learning outcome map
8.1(a) Order elements by proton number
- Increasing atomic number
8.1(b) Relate position and electron arrangement
- Periods and occupied shells
- Proton number
8.1(c) Explain group similarity
- Same valence electron count
8.1(d) Describe metallic-to-non-metallic trend
- Across a period
8.1(e) Relate outer electrons to character
- Electron loss, gain and sharing
8.1(f) Predict group properties
- Group 1 and group 17
Group 1: lithium, sodium and potassiumGroup 17: identify displacement from the evidence
8.2(a) Compare alkali metals
- Li, Na, K
- Softness and low density
- Melting-point and water-reaction trends
8.2(b) Compare halogens
- Cl2, Br2, I2
- Diatomic forms, colours and states
- Halide displacement
8.2(c) Explain noble-gas unreactivity
- Full outer shells
8.3(a) Order prescribed metals
- K, Na, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Pb, H, Cu, Ag
- Water, steam, dilute HCl
8.3(b) Deduce reactivity from data
- Comparable experiments
- Confounding factors
8.3(c) Relate extraction to reactivity
- Ease of obtaining metals from ores
8.3(d) Explain rusting and barriers
- Oxygen plus water
- Painting, greasing, plastic coating
Prevent rust by removing a condition or supplying protection
- 2026 Pure Chemistry 6092
Official topic 8, pages 18-19. Original explanations mapped to the stated outcomes; 2026 and 2027 topic content agrees.
- 2027 Pure Chemistry K324
Official topic 8, pages 18-19. Original explanations mapped to the stated outcomes; 2026 and 2027 topic content agrees.
- 2026 Combined Chemistry 5086 / 5088
Official topic 8, pages 32-33. Original explanations mapped to the stated outcomes; 2026 and 2027 topic content agrees.
- 2027 Combined Chemistry K326 / K328
Official topic 8, pages 32-33. Original explanations mapped to the stated outcomes; 2026 and 2027 topic content agrees.
- Grail: 6092 Chemistry Complete Notes, Version 1
Background consultation: Chapter 15, oxide reduction and reactivity, pp. 64-67. Teaching additions and examples are original; syllabus scope and chemistry independently checked.