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1dPrinciples of Chemistry

The Periodic Table — Edexcel Linear - OL (Chemistry) Revision Notes & Topical Questions

10 min read 12 parts Lesson 4 of 25 1 quiz

📚 Edexcel Linear - OL (Chemistry) Hub / Topical Revision
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Lesson summary

The Periodic Table Edexcel O Level Linear Chemistry notes: understand how elements are arranged in the Periodic Table: - in order of atomic number - in groups and periods.Na burns with yellow flame; Mg with white flame.ChloridesNaCl, MgCl₂ ionic (neutral); AlCl₃, SiCl₄, PCl₅ hydr…

  • Melting point
  • The Periodic Table Edexcel O Level Linear Chemistry: what to do next
  • Periodicity
  • Atomic radius
  • Electronegativity
  • Amphoteric

Part 1 of 6Key ideas

Na burns with yellow flame; Mg with white flame.
Chlorides
NaCl, MgCl₂ ionic (neutral); AlCl₃, SiCl₄, PCl₅ hydrolyse (acidic).
Melting point
Na<Mg<Al<P>S>Cl.

Part 2 of 6Syllabus points

1
understand how elements are arranged in the Periodic Table: - in order of atomic number - in groups and periods.
2
understand how to deduce the electronic configurations of the first 20 elements from their positions in the Periodic Table
3
understand how to use electrical conductivity and the acid-base character of oxides to classify elements as metals or non-metals
4
identify an element as a metal or a non-metal according to its position in the Periodic Table
5
understand how the electronic configuration of a main group element is related to its position in the Periodic Table
6
understand why elements in the same group of the Periodic Table have similar chemical properties
7
understand why the noble gases (Group 0) do not readily react

Part 3 of 6Process & sequence

  • Na
  • Mg
  • Al
  • Si
  • P
  • S
  • Cl
  • Ar
Trends across Period 3
Atomic radius decreases (more protons, same shielding)
First IE generally increases
Electrical conductivity falls after Al
1Oxides change basic2amphoteric3acidic

Part 4 of 6Summary

Summary
Al₂O₃ is amphoteric.
Silicon has the highest melting point because it is giant covalent.

Part 5 of 6Keep going

The Periodic Table Edexcel O Level Linear Chemistry: what to do next

These The Periodic Table Edexcel O Level Linear Chemistry notes covered the key ideas, worked examples and exam technique for this topic. Check your The Periodic Table Edexcel O Level Linear Chemistry understanding with the practice questions below, then reread any The Periodic Table Edexcel O Level Linear Chemistry point you were unsure about before moving on.

1
Practice: The Periodic Table Edexcel O Level Linear Chemistry practice questions
2
Previous lesson: 1c Atomic structure — Notes
3
Next lesson: 1e Chemical formulae, equations and calculations — Notes
4
Course: Edexcel Linear – OL (chemistry) — all units
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Official syllabus: Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs

The Periodic Table Edexcel O Level Linear Chemistry revision notes

Part 6 of 6Compare: Compare

Period 3 elements and their oxides
ElementStructureOxideOxide bondingOxide + waterAcid/base nature
NaGiant metallicNa₂OIonicNaOH, pH 13–14Basic
MgGiant metallicMgOIonicMg(OH)₂, pH 9Basic
AlGiant metallicAl₂O₃Ionic/covalentInsolubleAmphoteric
SiGiant covalentSiO₂Giant covalentInsolubleAcidic (with hot NaOH)
PSimple molecular (P₄)P₄O₁₀CovalentH₃PO₄, pH 2Acidic
SSimple molecular (S₈)SO₂ / SO₃CovalentH₂SO₃ / H₂SO₄, pH 1–2Acidic
ClSimple molecular (Cl₂)Cl₂O₇CovalentHClO₄Acidic

Key terms

Command terms

Command terms
Give / State / Name
Recall a fact; one idea per mark.
Define
Give the exact meaning using the specification keywords.
Describe
Give an account of what happens / the pattern in data, quoting values; no reasons needed.
Explain
Give reasons with linked statements (cause → effect). Each linked step is usually a separate marking point.
Suggest
Use knowledge in a new context; more than one answer may be accepted.
Compare
Similarities and differences; each point must refer to both items.
Calculate
Show working; include units; check significant figures. Method marks are given even if the final answer is wrong.
Discuss
Explore the issue from different angles and link the points.
Evaluate / Assess
Weigh strengths and weaknesses and reach a supported judgement.
Deduce
Draw a conclusion from the information given.
Justify
Support a statement/choice with evidence.

Exam technique

Keywords the mark scheme looks for in this lesson

Keywords the mark scheme looks for in this lesson
Periodicity · Atomic radius · Electronegativity · Melting point · Amphoteric · Basic oxide · Acidic oxide · Period 3
Learn each definition in the Key words tab exactly; a missing keyword in a definition usually loses the mark.

How to get full marks (examiner guidance)

How to get full marks (examiner guidance)
Use specification keywords exactly (e.g. electronegativity, nucleophile, dynamic equilibrium, activation energy).
Link ideas
Link ideas for “explain” each marking point is usually a cause → consequence step; unlinked facts often score nothing.
Use the information in the question
“discuss/evaluate” answers must use the data provided and match the number of marks.
Convert units carefully (mg → g, cm³ → dm³) and show working for calculations.
Avoid vague words
“it”, “stuff”, “things”, “goes up”, “energy is made”. Name the substance and the process.
Do not extrapolate a graph line beyond the data or to zero unless asked.
Six-mark extended responses are marked on content AND a logical, linked line of reasoning.

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