Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Aligned to HS-PS1 — Next Generation Science Standards.
What this lesson teaches
Atoms have protons, neutrons, and electrons. The periodic table organizes elements by structure, so position predicts properties and reactivity.
Worked example
Elements in the same column (group) react similarly — the alkali metals (Group 1) are all highly reactive because they have one outer electron.
Practice questions
- What particles make up an atom?
- Why do elements in a group behave alike?
- Predict whether a Group 1 element is reactive.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Estructura atómica y la tabla periódica
Los átomos tienen protones, neutrones y electrones. La tabla periódica organiza los elementos por su estructura, de modo que la posición de un elemento permite predecir sus propiedades y reactividad.
Ejemplo: Los elementos de la misma columna (grupo) reaccionan de forma similar — los metales alcalinos (Grupo 1) son todos muy reactivos porque tienen un solo electrón en su capa exterior.
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