Groups of the periodic table

All of the elements in the periodic table are divided up into groups. All of the elements in a group behave in the same way. They have some pretty weird names, though, which are very difficult to remember… unless you use the Mammoth Memory story technique, of course!

periodic table group titles

Note:

The groups most discussed in school Chemistry are:

Group 1 Alkali metals

Group 2 Alkali earth metals

Group 7 Halogens

Group 0 Noble gases

and the Transition metals

To remember the names of the groups, use the following story:

We were talking about groups, which is a coincidence – I was out for a walk with a group of friends just the other day.

1. Alkali metals

Group 1 contains alkali metals such as potassium and sodium — We were all very nervous because we had to go down a back street full of drunks, all the **alki**es were lying down with their metal beer cans.(Alkali metals)

Never call this group just alkalis, it should always be referred to as the alkali metals. Alkalis on their own are something entirely different. See our Acids and Alkalis section.

2. Alkaline earth metals

The alkali earth metal group contains elements such as magnesium and calcium — Looking down, I saw that the street itself was paved with bottles and cans of **alc**ohol in **line**s in the **earth**. (**Alkaline earth**)

Never call this group just the alkalines; these elements should always be referred to as the alkaline earth metals. The word alkaline refers to something entirely different. See our Acids and Alkalis section.

3. Transition metals

The transition metal group contains elements such as gold and Iron — We were so worried about walking that we drove through instead, in a **transit** van. (Transition metals)

4. Icosagens

The icosagens group also known as the boron group contains elements such as boron and aluminium — We drove safely out of the alley and a very expensive jewellery store caught my eye – it was selling **high cost gems.** (**Icosagens**)

5. Crystallogens

The Crystallogens group also known as the carbon group contain elements such as carbon and lead — The most impressive thing they were selling was a glittering necklace made of **crystal.** (**Crystallogens**)

6. Pnictogens

The Pnictogens group also known as the nitrogen family contain elements such like nitrogen and Arsenic — But, as I watched, thieves suddenly ran up and smashed the glass! The necklace quickly got **nicked**! (**Pnictogens**)

7. Chalcogens

The Chalcogen group also known as the oxygen family contains elements such as oxygen and Sulphur — I could see the poor store owner inside, adding up what had been taken on his **calc**ulator. (**Chalcogens**)

8. Halogens

The Halogen group contains elements such as chlorine and bromine — What happened next was incredible! An angel swooped down and caught one of the thieves by snaring him with her **halo**! (Halogens)

9. Noble gases

The noble gas group contains elements such as Helium and Neon — The angel presented the thief she had caught to the mayor. His clothes made him look very **noble**. (Noble gases)

Recap

So, to remind you, we…

Had to walk down alley with alkies lying down. (Alkali)
Saw alcohol in lines in the earth (Alkaline earth)
Took a ride in a transit van (Transition)
Stopped at a store selling high-cost gems (icosagens)
Saw a necklace made of crystal… (crystallogens)
…which got nicked (pnictogens)
The storekeeper added things up on his calculator (chalcogens)
An angel snared the thief with her halo (halogens)
She took him to the mayor, who looked noble (noble gases)