The Periodic Table consists of groups (columns), organising elements with the same number of electrons in their outer shell meaning they have similar chemical properties. Each group has its own characteristics – just like people. Now’s your chance to find out the group you most resemble! So, are you eager and enthusiastic like the Alkali Metals or are you more calm and collected like the Noble Gases?
Keep note of your answers to find out which group you are most like!
1 – What’s your energy in class?
A: Eager
B: Motivated
C: Dramatic
D: Ready to learn
2 – How reactive are you at parties?
A: I explode instantly
B: I politely bond
C: I react when necessary
D: I don’t interact
3 – Which holiday would you most like to go on?
A: Skiing
B: Forest retreat
C: City break
D: Cottage in the countryside
4 – Your best quality is being…
A: Dangerously enthusiastic
B: Generous
C: Caring
D: Cool, calm and collected
5 – What’s your personality?
A: Bright and fiery
B: Solid and grounded
C: Daring and bold
D: Clear and minimalistic
6 – When someone tries to talk to you, do you…
A: Instantly bond
B: Bond reluctantly
C: Continuously talk back
D: I don’t talk to them
7 – What is your favourite movie genre?
A: Action
B: Adventure
C: Romance
D: Documentary
8 – What was your favourite game as a child?
A: Tag
B: Hide and Seek
C: Spy games
D: Reading
9 – What is your favourite pizza topping?
A: Everything
B: Pepperoni
C: Pineapple and ham
D: Just cheese please
10 – What’s your ideal summer activity?
A: Anything extreme e.g. cliff jumping, surfing
B: Family adventures e.g. hiking, swimming
C: Sitting by the pool
D: Staying inside with air con and snacks
If you mainly answered A, you are Group 1! You are full of energy and approach every scenario with enthusiasm. Group 1, the alkali metals, are very reactive as they only need to lose one electron from their outer shell which is fairly easy for the metal to do. One well-known Group 1 metal is lithium, Li, which is commonly used in batteries.
If you mainly answered B, you are Group 2! You are stable, dependable and provide calm in any chaos. Group 2, the alkaline earth metals, are less reactive than Group 1 since they must lose two electrons from their outer shell. One Group 2 metal which you will encounter everyday is calcium, Ca, in your toothpaste which cleans and strengthens your teeth.
If you mainly answered C, you are Group 7! You are dramatic and purposeful, reflecting your strong character. Group 7, the halogens, are, like Group 1, very reactive since they only need to gain one electron to achieve a full outer shell. Because they are so reactive, they are mostly found as diatomic molecules (exist in pairs) to become more stable. Chlorine, Cl2, is a diatomic molecule and is used in swimming pools to kill harmful bacteria.
If you mainly answered D, you are Group 8! You are peaceful, calm and self-sufficient. Noble gases, Group 8, are inert (they do not react) because they have a full outer shell so don’t want to gain or lose any electrons. In fact, because they are so unreactive, they were discovered much later than the groups above. The noble gas Neon, Ne, is used in bright and colourful signs and lighting.
