Periodic Table MCQs – Elements, Groups & Properties
Practice 10 key MCQs on the Periodic Table covering periods, groups, alkali metals, halogens, noble gases, atomic number, and periodic trends. Ideal for board exams and entry tests.
The modern Periodic Table has 7 periods (horizontal rows). Period 1 has 2 elements, periods 2 and 3 have 8 each, periods 4 and 5 have 18 each, and periods 6 and 7 have 32 each.
Elements in the same group (vertical column) have the same number of valence electrons, which gives them similar chemical properties. E.g., all alkali metals (Group 1) have 1 valence electron.
Noble gases (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn) are in Group 18 (also called Group 0 in older notation). They have a full outer electron shell, making them chemically unreactive (inert).
Sodium (Na) has atomic number 11 — meaning 11 protons. It is in Period 3, Group 1 (alkali metals). Its electron configuration is 2,8,1.
Halogens (F, Cl, Br, I, At) are in Group 17. They have 7 valence electrons and readily gain 1 electron to form -1 ions (halides). They are highly reactive non-metals.
Across a period, the number of protons increases while electrons are added to the same shell. Increased nuclear charge pulls electrons closer, so atomic radius decreases from left to right.
Potassium (K) is in Group 1 — the alkali metals. Alkali metals have 1 valence electron, are soft, highly reactive, and react vigorously with water to produce hydroxides and hydrogen gas.
Horizontal rows are called Periods and vertical columns are called Groups (or Families). The period number indicates the number of electron shells in an atom of that element.
Atomic number = number of protons in the nucleus. In a neutral atom, it also equals the number of electrons. It uniquely identifies each element and determines its position in the Periodic Table.
Fluorine (F) has the highest electronegativity (3.98 on Pauling scale). Electronegativity generally increases across a period and decreases down a group. Fluorine is in Period 2, Group 17 — top-right of the table.
About These Periodic Table MCQs
These Periodic Table MCQs cover the structure, trends, and element groups in the modern Periodic Table. Questions are aligned with Class 9 & 10 Chemistry and FSc board syllabi.
Understanding periodic trends like atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity is essential for chemistry board exams and competitive tests like MDCAT.
Topics Covered
- Periods and groups structure
- Alkali metals — Group 1
- Halogens — Group 17
- Noble gases — Group 18
- Periodic trends: atomic size, electronegativity
- Atomic number vs mass number
How to Remember the Periodic Table
Focus on learning the first 20 elements in order (H, He, Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F, Ne…) and understand the trends rather than memorizing every element. Most MCQs test trends, groups, and properties — not raw memorization.