In the previous blogpost, we have discussed about the General Features of the Periodic Table.

Besides that, students taking GCE ‘O’ Levels / IGCSE / IB / IP examinations would also need to master the Common Properties of a Group.

Common Properties of a Group

Elements in the same group have similar properties:

• Same number of valence electrons
• Usually form ions with the same charge
• Form compounds with similar formulae
• Similar physical properties
• Similar chemical properties

In addition to the above, the following are observed as we go down a particular group:

• Proton number increases
• Number of electron shellls increases
• Relative atomic mass increases

Now, go ahead and try out some exam-based question and leave your suggested answers below.

Quick Check 1:

Given that Strontium is Read the rest of this entry »

More Chemistry Tips & Exam Strategies

(Photo by ma-kasu)

In Chemistry, Periodic Table has long been regarded by students, educators and chemists as the “Bible” of Chemistry.

We need to have a good grasp of the General Features & the important Patterns (Group Trends) in order to appreciate many other topics and to score in exams.

General Features of Periodic Table:

1. Elements are arranged in the order of increasing proton / atomic number
2. A horizontal row of elements is called a Period
3. A vertical column of elements is called a Group
4. Elements are further divided into Read the rest of this entry »

(Photo Courtesy Loupe Clean)

In the previous post, i have discussed on the overview checklist that students need to know about this topic of Particulate Nature of Matter (commonly known as Kinetic Particle Theory).

Besides the “connection between relative molecular mass of a gas & its rate of diffusion” which is listed as very important, students should also know how to describe & differentiate the 3 States of Matter: Solids, Liquids & Gases, with respect to:

1. Arrangement of the particles
2. Forces between the particles
3. Movement of the particles
4. Energy of the particles
5. Density

Let’s take a look at it now.

With the above comparisons, we shall now discuss which States of Matter can be compressed upon the application of Read the rest of this entry »