What is Names for sets of chemical elements?
There are areas on the [[periodic table]] where elements have similar properties. Such areas include [[Group (periodic table)|Groups]], especially columns. For example, all of the first column elements ([[alkali metal]]s) are light, very soft, react with water rapidly, make [[hydroxide]]s that are strong [[base (chemistry)|bases]], and react with the [[halogen]]s to make colorless [[ionic bond|ionic]] compounds. The second column elements ([[alkaline earth metal]]s) are a little heavier, a little harder, react with water a little less rapidly, made [[hydroxide]]s that are strong bases, and react with the halogens to make colorless ionic compounds. The other categories are: [[transition metal]]s, [[pnictogen]]s, [[chalcogen]]s, [[halogen]]s, and [[noble gas]]es. There are also [[inner transition metal]]s that are divided into [[lanthanide]]s and [[actinide]]s. {{chem-stub}} [[Category:Chemical nomenclature]]