The Periodic Table is one of 9 topics in the Grade 10 Physical Sciences CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. The horizontal rows of the periodic table are called:
Periods
Groups
Families
Series
Answer: Periods — The horizontal rows of the periodic table are called periods, numbered 1 to 7.
Easy
2. Elements in the same group (vertical column) of the periodic table share similar chemical properties because they have the same:
Number of valence electrons
Number of energy levels
Atomic mass
Number of neutrons
Answer: Number of valence electrons — Elements in the same group have the same number of valence electrons, which primarily determines chemical behaviour.
Medium
3. Name the family of elements found in Group 18 of the periodic table, known for being chemically very unreactive.
Answer: noble gases — Group 18 elements are the noble gases, which are very unreactive because they already have a stable, full outer energy level.
