PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter The periodic table orders elements horizontally by the number of protons in the atom's nucleus and places those with similar chemical properties in columns. The repeating patterns of this table reflect patterns of outer electron states. (HS-PS1-2)

The periodic table was full of open spaces when Mendeleev created it. That is one of its strengths. The periodic table is able to predict the properties of yet to be discovered elements. This is because it's organized so that elements with similar properties are in a column with each other. Additionally because each row is related to the energy level of an element's highest level electron, there are certain trends that can be expected across a row as well.

Generally across a row, from left to right, elements become less metallic. Rows start with very reactive metals and end with inert nonmetals (called noble gases). The radius of each atom is usually less than that of the one to its left. Lastly, elements are more massive as we move from left to right on the periodic table.

Down a column you'll find similarities and differences. As stated before, columns are made up of elements with similar properties. There are trends as well. Since the periodic table is also organized by atomic number, going down a row the mass of each element is greater than the one above it. Also, the radius is greater than that of the one above it. Also, elements tend to get more metallic as we go down a column of the table.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.4 Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 11-12 texts and topics.

1. The atomic radius of Beryllium is 105 pm. The atomic radius of oxygen is 60 pm. Based on our understanding of the periodic table, which is further to the right: Oxygen or Beryllium?
2. Lead is directly below Carbon on the periodic table. Based on this fact, will Lead have a greater or lesser radius than carbon?
3. Calcium and Potassium are both metals. Calcium is to the right of Potassium. Which will be more reactive?

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the account.

A new element currently named Ununpentium was recently confirmed by scientists at Lund University. It only lasts a fraction of a second so we have to be creative to learn about it. The university published a letter.
Read the release letter from Lund university and answer the following questions about the element that the scientists discovered.

4. Quote the passage that shows that there is still doubt about this finding, and that peer review is an important part of science.
5. What type of light was used to prove the existence of the new element?
6. The new element was created by putting together what two elements?

Use our interactive Periodic Table to answer the following questions.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

7. Which will be more massive: Beryllium or Barium?
8. Which will have a greater radius, the new element, or phosphorus?
9. Give the name of a metal in the Lanthanide Series.
10. Which will have a greater radius Barium or Fluorine?
11. Which is more electronegative Silicon or Lead?