Science, Tech, Math › Science Periodic Table Quiz Test Your Knowledge of Periodic Table Concepts Periodic Table of the Elements. Ty Milford, Getty Images Science Chemistry Periodic Table Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on March 06, 2017 1. The rows of the periodic table are called: classes periods groups families Correct Wrong The rows of the periodic table are called periods, while the columns of the table are called groups. Elements in the same period share the same highest ground state electron energy level. Elements in the same group have the same number of valence electrons. 2. Who was the scientist credited with devising the first periodic table similar to the one we use today? John Dalton Gregor Mendel Dmitri Mendeleev Ernest Rutherford Correct Wrong The Russian scientist Dmitri Mendeleev proposed a periodic table similar to the one we use today in 1869. He arranged the elements according to "periodic law", where element properties could be predicted based on recurring similarities between elements (periodicity). 3. The primary difference between the modern periodic table and Mendeleev's periodic table is: The two tables are the same except we know about more elements now. Mendeleev's table did not arrange the elements according to recurring trends in their properties. The elements in the modern table are arranged in order of increasing atomic weight. The elements in the modern table are arranged in order of increasing atomic number. Correct Wrong The modern periodic table orders elements by increasing atomic number, which is the number of protons in the atom of the element. Mendeleev did not know about the parts of the atom, so he used the next best thing -- atomic weight. 4. As you move from left to right across the periodic table: atomic radius decreases atomic radius increases ionization energy decreases electronegativity decreases Correct Wrong Even though each atom has more electrons as you move from left to right across the periodic table, the atomic radius decreases. The reason is that you're also adding more protons, which exert a stronger attractive force on the electrons, drawing them in a tiny bit closer. Ionic radius also decreases, although not for the exact same reason. 5. As you move from top to bottom down the periodic table: a change in atomic radius cannot be predicted atomic radius decreases electronegativity decreases ionization energy increases Correct Wrong As you move down a periodic table group, electronegativity decreases because the distance between the atomic nucleus and the valence electrons increases. 6. Which of the following are all properties of nonmetals? usually donate electrons easily, typically brittle in the solid form, poor conductors of heat usually gain electrons easily, poor conductors of heat, poor conductors of electricity usually gain electrons easily, good conductors of heat and electricity usually donate electrons easily, metallic luster, good conductors of heat Correct Wrong There are several ways to tell metals and nonmetals apart. Nonmetals don't have a metallic appearance. Unlike metals, they typically have lower melting and boiling points and tend not to conduct heat or electricity very well. 7. Which of the following element groups are considered types of metals? basic metals only basic metals, transition elements, halogens transition elements, basic metals, alkali metals, alkaline earths, halogens transition elements, basic metals, rare earths, alkali metals, alkaline earths Correct Wrong About 75% of the elements on the periodic table are metals. The only groups that are not metals are the noble gases, halogens, and the group actually called nonmetals. 8. Where would you find the smallest atoms of elements in the periodic table? top and lefthand side top and righthand side bottom and lefthand side bottom and righthand side Correct Wrong If you stop to think about it, the smallest atom is the one with the smallest number of protons. This is hydrogen, located in the top left side of the periodic table. Hydrogen is particularly small because the most common isotope doesn't have a neutron, plus it readily loses its electron. 9. Electron affinity reflects the ability of an atom to accept an electron. Which is true of the alkaline earths? No generalization can be made about electron affinity for this element group. The alkakine earths have low electron affinity values. The alkaline earths have high electron affinity values. Correct Wrong In order for an atom to have a high electron affinity, it needs to be in a position to accept electrons. The alkaline earth metals (like calcium and magnesium) have filled s subshells, so they are stable. If anything, the alkaline earths prefer to lose electrons and exist as cations. 10. With respect to electron affinity, which statement applies to the halogens? The halogens have low electron affinity values. The halogens have high electron affinity values. No generalization can be made about electron affinity for this element group. Correct Wrong So, since elements like the alkaline earths that form cations have low electron affinity, it should make sense to you elements that form anions tend toward high electron affinity. Halogens (e.g., iodine, chlorine) have high electron affinity and also high electronegativity. Periodic Table Quiz You got: % Correct. Element Elementary School Student confused by elements of the periodic table.. Jon Feingersh, Getty Images The periodic table isn't your thing, but you finished the quiz, so you know more now that you did before. From here, you can learn your way around a periodic table or perhaps you'd like to find out which chemical element suits your personality best. Share Your Results Periodic Table Quiz You got: % Correct. Periodically Brilliant Student with Periodic Table Performing Chemistry Experiments. Chris Salvo, Getty Images Congratulations! You know enough about the periodic table of the elements to use it to look up element facts and work basic chemistry problems. However, there's still a lot to learn. Master the table so you can perform cool chemistry experiments and fully understand how they work. Share Your Results Periodic Table Quiz You got: % Correct. Periodically Perfect The chemistry student is in his element.. Jonathan Kirn, Getty Images The elements are your kingdom and rule over them as the king or queen. Okay, Smarty Pants, if you're so knowledgeable let's see if you can recognize the elements based on how they look. Share Your Results