O Level Chemistry – Periodic Table Mini Series (Part I)

Hi everyone,

It is a brand new year and we will continue where we left off last year, on sharing more:

• Chemistry Phenomenons (show how abstract chemistry concepts are linked to our everyday life)
• Chemistry Tips (simplify chemistry theories in bit-size, concise points for easier understanding)
• Chemistry Strategies (discussion on exam-based tough questions and the strategy to answer it)

For the last two fridays, i was focused on coaching a group of committed Sec 4 students (under the Chemistry Ultimate Leap Programme 09) on the topic of Periodic Table & Trends.

(Chemistry Coaching in one of our training rooms)

Majority of the students have gone through this topic in their schools before, and found it lame redundant for us to talk about it. From their expressions, indirectly it signals to me that i should be coaching them on other topics instead.

I am glad i held my fort (and i always do! ) and continue with the topic, because i realized that their understanding of the topic is not anywhere strong enough, to handle GCE O Level Exam Questions (this is clearly the case based on their scores/marks in their PreReview Tests, before i formally start the academic coaching session).

Now, let’s get this straight..when we mention Periodic Table, it is the “Bible” of Chemistry. You need to know the following well:

1. Features of the Periodic Table
2. Trends in the Periodic Table
3. Group I elements’ Properties (Physical/Chemical) & Trends (down the group)
4. Group VII elements’ Properties (Physical/Chemical) & Trends (down the group)
5. Group O elements’ Properties (Physical/Chemical) & Trends (down the group)
6. Transition Metals’ Properties (Physical/Chemical)

Comprehensive understanding of the above is crucial, as Periodic Table are usually linked to other topics, and there is no way a chemistry students can run away from it.

In fact, i expect GCE O Level students to score high FULL marks for any questions related to Periodic Table. This is a basic chapter and you need to score well here, in order to do well overall in Chemistry Exams.

Starting with this blogpost, i will be sharing & discussing tricky exam-based questions on Periodic Table & the strategies to work out the correct answers – through Periodic Table Mini Series (series of blogposts)

Let’s check out a couple of exam-based questions related to Periodic Table:

Question 1:
Boron and aluminium are both in Group III of the Periodic Table.
Which statement is true for these two elements?
a. Both elements are metals
b. Both elements contain 3 electrons in their outermost shells
c. Both elements form acidic oxides
d. Both elements have the same proton number

Question 2:
Silver (Ag) resembles Group I elements in some properties.
Which property of silver is NOT typical of Group I?
a. Silver atoms have one outermost shell electron
b. Silver forms a chloride with formula, AgCl
c. Silver conducts electricity
d. Silver is resistant to corrosion by steam

PS: Do your best to work out your answers! I will share my suggested answers + explanations, when i see people participating (cos learning can only be effective when you participate 100%).

PPS: You can write your (suggested answers + explanations) in the “LEAVE A REPLY” section right below this post.

Stay tuned to next blogpost on Periodic Table Mini Series, where i will share more Chemistry Tips & Strategies on Periodic Table, and discussed more tricky exam-based questions. For now, you can check out the ARCHIVES (previous blogposts discussions) on Periodic Table HERE

Until next post, take care!

Related Articles:

• O Level Chemistry – Periodic Table Mini Series (Part II)
• O Level Chemistry – Periodic Table Mini Series (Part III)
• O Levels Chemistry Tips Blog Marathon – Day 4
• O Level Chemistry – Atomic Structure
• O Level Chemistry – Isotopes Part 2

Sean Chua

Winners Education Centre Pte. Ltd.

Many know me as the Ten Year Series book author for JC A-Level H2 Chemistry and O-Level Pure Chemistry. My 19+ years of coaching experience (since 1999) with more than 1500 students from 180+ JCs and Secondary Schools has allowed me to understand the true reasons why students are not able to perform well in Chemistry. Most importantly, my strength lies in using everyday analogies (even grandmothers can understand!) to simplify abstract concepts. Also, my teaching methodology has been designed to be fun, enjoyable and effective for my students. If you want to have an enjoyable time learning Chemistry and being motivated to excel in Chemistry, contact me today at 98287357