Explore our interactive periodic table featuring comprehensive information on all elements, including names, symbols, groups, atomic masses, properties & more.
The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of the chemical elements, organized by their atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. Elements are presented in order of increasing atomic number in rows called periods and columns called groups. The table is used widely in chemistry, physics, and other sciences to predict the properties of elements and their compounds. The layout of the table highlights periodic trends, such as elements with similar behavior in the same column. It serves as a fundamental tool for scientists to understand and predict chemical behaviour.
The vertical columns in the periodic table are called groups, numbered from 1 to 18 from left to right. Elements within the same group have similar chemical properties because they have the same number of electrons in their outer shell.
Mendeleev’s periodic table was accepted because it accurately organized elements based on their atomic weight and properties, predicting the existence and properties of elements that had not yet been discovered. His table showed clear periodic trends and allowed for the identification of families of elements with similar chemical behaviors. This organization highlighted the underlying structure of the elements, providing a powerful tool for chemists to understand chemical reactions and the properties of elements, which was groundbreaking at the time.
The periodic table arranges elements to systematically showcase the universe’s fundamental building blocks, reflecting their atomic structure and illuminating relationships between them. This arrangement allows for the prediction of element properties, chemical behaviors, and reactivity patterns, serving as a crucial tool for scientists across disciplines. By organizing elements by atomic number and electron configuration, the table offers a comprehensive overview of chemical and physical properties, facilitating scientific research, education, and practical applications in various fields.
The periodic table was created by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869. Mendeleev arranged the 63 known elements into a table based on atomic mass, leaving spaces for elements that had not yet been discovered, predicting their properties with remarkable accuracy.
Elements in the periodic table are arranged in order of increasing atomic number from left to right and are organized into rows (periods) and columns (groups or families) based on similar properties. The table also divides elements into blocks (s, p, d, f) based on their electron configurations.
Groups (columns) in the periodic table contain elements with similar chemical and physical properties due to their having the same number of electrons in their outer shell. Periods (rows) indicate the number of electron shells an atom has, with each period marking a new principal energy level.
Transition metals are elements found in Groups 3 through 12 of the periodic table. They are characterized by their ability to form various oxidation states and by having one or more electrons in their d subshells. Transition metals are known for their conductive properties, malleability, and roles in biological systems.
An element’s atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. It is unique to each element and determines the element’s identity, as well as its position on the periodic table.