What is another name for the representative elements?

Another name for the representative elements is the "A elements." These elements are found within the first two families and last six families of the Periodic Table.

The representative elements are found in Groups I and II, which are on the left side of the Periodic Table, and Groups III through VIII on the right side of the table. These elements include the alkali metal group, alkaline earth metals and chalcogens.

The elements in each group share the same characteristics. For example, alkali metals are soluble in water and easily cut with a knife. Alkaline earth metals are harder than alkali metals, and they are not as reactive with oxygen.