How many grups of elements are they in science?

Answer 1

There are 4 base groups of elements in Chemistry. These are often referred to SPDF groups. SPDF determines the spin of electons in certain 'layers' on an atom. An 'S' block element has 2 electrons spinning in the first shell. Example of this is Helium. Once this shell is filled with electrons, the next heaviest element (lithium) has to have a new shell for its electron to sit in. This is the 'P' block. 6 electrons can sit in the P block. After Calcium in the Periodic Table, you get to the more commen metals where Iron, Copper and Zinc sits along with others. This is the first D block. 10 electrons can sit in the D block. The heavier elements (Lanthanides, for example) are F block elements. The F shell can hold 14 electrons.

With this information in mind, when you look at the periodic table, you can see why it is the shape it is. Look at the first S block elements. Hydrogen and Helium. Notice there only those 2 on the top line. Next down there are 8. (S + P = 2 + 6 = 8).Further down there are 18 elements in the same row. The periodic table often has the F block elements separate, but you will notice there are 14 of them. F block has some funky elements in there like Uranium and Plutonium.

Each column of elements in the periodic table has its own charcteristics, so if you were to class each column as a group instead of a row, you will notice there are 32 groups of elements that exhibit similar properties. For example, Hydrogen and Lithium exhibit similar propertiers (and often used in batteries because of their reactiveness). You will also notice that Helium behaves similar to Xenon, Neon, Radon and Argon. All of which are classed as 'Noble Gasses' because they have full outer shells and do not react with any other element.