There are 112 elements although elements 110-112 are as yet unnamed. These 112 elements are organized in the periodic table:
The modern chemical symbols were introduced by Berzelius. Rows of elements are called "periods" and columns of elements are called "groups" (1A, 2A 3B etc.). There are three general classes of elements distinguished by their physical properties: the metals (generally shiny and conduct electricity), the non metals (not shiny, sometimes gasses at STP and poor conductors of electricity) and the metalloids (properties in between those of metals and non metals.). Some groups have special names:
Many of the heavier elements are unstable - which means that the atoms of those elements break apart very quickly.
Elements within a group share similar chemical properties. Other chemical and physical properties of the elements can be deduced from their position in the periodic table. The structure of the periodic table and thus their chemical and physical properties is directly related to their atomic structure.
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Quality of writing
Punctuation, grammar and spelling is all to a good level. Format is good as the essay is split into clear sections.
Level of analysis
The candidate gives good definitions of rows and periods, as well as the general classifications of the different elements. They provide diagrams which aid their descriptions of the periodic table well as they directly rate to that section of the text. The candidate goes on to give accurate definitions of the structure of an atom in basic terms, but should be clearer with their definition of isotopes and mass. Diagrams again help them to explain a more minute atom structure that is knowledge beyond GCSE level.
Response to question
The focus on the question is done well. The candidate explains atomic structure in relation to the generic period table and generic properties of different groups, and then goes into more detail relating to the actual structure of an atom. To improve the candidate should explain trends between groups and rows and how these relate to their structure and reactivity