Periodic Table Practice Questions
IGCSE (Cambridge) · IGCSE Chemistry · 133 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.
133
Total
38
Easy
67
Medium
28
Hard
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Sample Questions from Periodic Table
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Q1
Easy
Which of the following elements is a noble gas?
A.
Neon
B.
Nitrogen
C.
Oxygen
D.
Chlorine
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Correct Answer: A
Neon is a noble gas, characterized by its full outer electron shell, making it unreactive. The other elements listed are not noble gases.
Q2
Easy
Which of the following elements has the highest atomic number?
A.
Carbon
B.
Oxygen
C.
Potassium
D.
Bromine
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Potassium has the highest atomic number (19) among the given options, while Carbon (6), Oxygen (8), and Bromine (35) have lower atomic numbers.
Q3
Easy
What is the main reason for the increase in reactivity down group 1 of the periodic table?
A.
Increase in atomic radius
B.
Decrease in atomic mass
C.
Increase in ionization energy
D.
Decrease in electron affinity
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The increase in atomic radius down group 1 leads to a weaker attraction between the outer electron and the nucleus, making it easier for the atom to lose its outer electron, thus increasing reactivity.
Q4
Medium
Which of the following elements is found in Group 17 of the periodic table?
A.
Fluorine
B.
Sodium
C.
Calcium
D.
Boron
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Correct Answer: A
Fluorine is a halogen and is located in Group 17 of the periodic table, which is known for its reactive nonmetals. The other options belong to different groups.
Q5
Medium
Which of the following statements best describes the trend in atomic radius as you move down Group 1?
A.
It decreases due to increased nuclear charge.
B.
It increases due to additional electron shells.
C.
It remains constant throughout the group.
D.
It decreases because of electron-electron repulsion.
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Correct Answer: B
As you move down Group 1, additional electron shells are added, which increases the atomic radius. The increased distance of the outermost electrons from the nucleus outweighs any increase in nuclear charge.
Q6
Medium
What is the primary reason for the increase in electronegativity across a period in the periodic table?
A.
Increase in atomic size.
B.
Increase in effective nuclear charge.
C.
Decrease in ionization energy.
D.
Increase in metallic character.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Electronegativity increases across a period due to the increase in effective nuclear charge, which pulls the bonding electrons closer to the nucleus, making it easier for an atom to attract electrons.
Q7
Medium
Which of the following elements would you expect to have the highest ionization energy?
A.
Lithium
B.
Sodium
C.
Potassium
D.
Francium
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Correct Answer: A
Lithium has the highest ionization energy among the listed elements because ionization energy decreases down a group. Therefore, Lithium, being the top element, requires more energy to remove an electron compared to the others.
Q8
Hard
Which of the following statements correctly describes a trend in the periodic table?
A.
Atomic radius decreases across a period due to increased nuclear charge.
B.
Ionization energy decreases down a group because of increased electron shielding.
C.
Electronegativity increases down a group due to larger atomic size.
D.
Reactivity of non-metals increases across a period.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
As you move across a period from left to right, the number of protons increases, leading to a greater nuclear charge that pulls the electrons closer, thereby decreasing the atomic radius. Option B is incorrect because ionization energy increases down a group, not decreases. Option C is incorrect as electronegativity decreases down a group. Option D is also incorrect since the reactivity of non-metals decreases across a period.
Q9
Hard
Which of the following trends is observed as you move across a period from left to right in the periodic table?
A.
Atomic radius decreases
B.
Ionization energy decreases
C.
Electronegativity decreases
D.
Metallic character increases
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
As you move across a period, the atomic number increases, resulting in a greater positive charge in the nucleus. This pulls the electrons closer, leading to a decrease in atomic radius.
Q10
Hard
Element X has an atomic number of 17 and is in group 17 of the periodic table. Which of the following statements about element X is true?
A.
It has a full outer shell of electrons.
B.
It is a good conductor of electricity.
C.
It readily forms ionic bonds with metals.
D.
It exists as a solid at room temperature.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Element X, with atomic number 17, is chlorine (Cl). Being a halogen, it has 7 electrons in its outer shell and tends to gain one electron to attain a stable octet, easily forming ionic bonds with metals.
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Periodic Table — IGCSE (Cambridge) IGCSE Chemistry Practice Questions Online
This page contains 133 practice MCQs for the chapter Periodic Table in IGCSE (Cambridge) IGCSE Chemistry. The questions are organized by difficulty — 38 easy, 67 medium, 28 hard — so you can choose the right level for your preparation.
Every question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the concept, not just memorize answers. Take a timed quiz to simulate exam conditions, or practice at your own pace with no time limit.