It is a systematic arrangement of chemical elements, organized by increasing atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. It has arranged elements based on their atomic masses and noticed repeating patterns, or periodicity, in their properties. Modern versions of the table are based on atomic number rather than atomic mass.
Elements in the periodic table are arranged in rows called periods and columns called groups or families. Elements in the same group often exhibit similar chemical behaviors due to having the same number of valence electrons. For instance, alkali metals in Group 1 are highly reactive, especially with water, while noble gases in Group 18 are inert.
The table is divided into metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. Metals, found on the left and center, are typically shiny, conductive, and malleable. Nonmetals, on the right, are more variable in appearance and are poor conductors. Metalloids have properties between metals and nonmetals.
The periodic table is essential in chemistry and related sciences, helping predict element behavior, compound formation, and guiding research. It remains one of the most valuable tools for understanding matter at the atomic level.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.