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The periodic table is a fundamental tool for chemists and scientists alike, providing a systematic arrangement of all known chemical elements. Its unique structure allows individuals to easily access crucial information about each element, including its atomic number, symbol, atomic mass, and electron configuration. Understanding how to read the periodic table is essential for anyone aiming to delve into the world of chemistry, as it serves as a roadmap to the building blocks of matter. In this guide, we will explore the key components and general layout of the table, as well as how to interpret the vast amount of information it holds. Whether you are a student embarking on your first chemistry course or a curious individual seeking to expand your knowledge, this introduction will serve as a foundation for your understanding of how to navigate and comprehend the periodic table efficiently and effectively.
This article was co-written by Bess Ruff, MA. Bess Ruff is a graduate student in geography at Florida. She received her Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, UC Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the coastal area. Caribbean and support research as a contributor to the Sustainable Fisheries Group.
This article has been viewed 75,844 times.
If you find the periodic table of the elements complicated and confusing, you are not alone! Understanding every function of the periodic table can be difficult, but knowing how to read will help you do well in science subjects. Let’s start by understanding the structure of the periodic table and see what information it provides about each element. Next, you can learn about each element. Finally, use the facts in the periodic table to find the number of neutrons in an atom.
Steps
Understand the structure of the periodic table
- Atomic mass increases to the right or down the periodic table because mass is calculated by adding up the protons and neutrons in each atom of the element. The number of protons increases with each element, and this means that the weight also increases.
- Electrons are not included in the atomic mass because their contribution is so small compared to protons and neutrons. [1] X Research Source
- For example, the first row has the element Hydrogen with atomic number 1, and Helium with atomic number 2. However, they are opposite each other at the top of the table because they belong to different groups.
- Most elements are in the same group, but hydrogen can be classified as either the halogen group or the alkali metal group. In some tables, Hydrogen appears in both groups.
- Usually, columns will be numbered 1-18, listed above or below the periodic table. These numbers can be written in Roman numerals (IA), Arabic numerals 1A), or using only numbers (1).
- When you look from top to bottom, you are “reading in a group”.
- For example, the first 3 rows have gaps, since transition metals only appear on the periodic table after atomic number 21.
- Similarly, elements 57 to 71, which are rare earth elements, are usually represented as a subset in the lower right of the periodic table.
- For example, elements in period 1 have 1 orbital, elements in period 7 have 7 orbitals.
- In most cases, they are numbered 1-7 from the top left of the periodic table.
- When you read a row from left to right, you are “reading in a cycle”.
- Remember that hydrogen can be classified as a halogen or an alkali metal because of its properties, so it may appear on both sides of the periodic table or may be colored differently.
- Elements are labeled as metals if they have a metallic luster, are solid at room temperature, are good electrical and thermal conductors, and are malleable and easy to spin.
- Elements are considered nonmetals if they have no metallic luster, do not conduct electricity or heat, and are not malleable. These elements are usually gaseous at room temperature, but they can also become solid or liquid at certain temperatures.
- Elements are labeled as nonmetals if they have the properties of both metals and nonmetals. [8] X Research Sources
Learning about the elements
- The symbols of the elements are often derived from the Latin names of the elements, but can also be derived from generally accepted names, especially new elements. For example, the symbol for Helium is He, which is almost the same as the common name. There is also a symbol for elements such as iron (iron in English) which is Fe which is a bit difficult to recognize at first.
- Some periodic tables of chemical elements may not have full names but only symbols.
- The atomic number is an integer, not a decimal.
- You will also use the atomic number to find the number of electrons and neutrons!
- Ions carry an electric charge. If an ion has more protons, it will carry a positive charge and is represented by a plus sign next to the ion’s symbol. If the ion has more electrons, it will carry a negative charge, represented by a minus sign.
- You won’t see a plus or minus sign if the element is not an ion.
Use atomic weight to calculate the number of neutrons
- Since the weights are averaged, most elements will have their atomic weights included in decimals.
- Although it seems that atomic weight increases from top left to bottom right, this is not always the case.
- For example, the atomic weight of Carbon is 12,011, rounded to 12. Similarly, the mass of iron is 55,847, rounded to 56.
- Use the formula: Neutron = Mass Number – Proton
- For example, Carbon’s mass number is 12, and it has 6 protons. Since 12 – 6 = 6, you would know Carbon has 6 neutrons.
- As another example, the mass number of Iron is 56 and iron has 26 protons. Since 56 – 26 = 30, you would know Iron has 30 neutrons.
- Isotopes of an atom will have a different number of neutrons, so it will change the weight of the atom.
Advice
- The colors in the periodic tables may be different, but the information in them is the same.
- Reading the periodic table is difficult for many people! Don’t be discouraged if you struggle to learn how to use it.
- Some periodic tables can simplify information, such as providing only symbols and atomic numbers. Find out which periodic table meets your needs.
This article was co-written by Bess Ruff, MA. Bess Ruff is a graduate student in geography at Florida. She received her Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, UC Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the coastal area. Caribbean and support research as a contributor to the Sustainable Fisheries Group.
This article has been viewed 75,844 times.
If you find the periodic table of the elements complicated and confusing, you are not alone! Understanding every function of the periodic table can be difficult, but knowing how to read will help you do well in science subjects. Let’s start by understanding the structure of the periodic table and see what information it provides about each element. Next, you can learn about each element. Finally, use the facts in the periodic table to find the number of neutrons in an atom.
In conclusion, understanding how to read the periodic table is essential for anyone studying chemistry or interested in the elements. The periodic table is a powerful tool that provides valuable information about the properties and characteristics of elements. By learning how to interpret the table, one can determine an element’s atomic number, symbol, atomic mass, and electron configuration, among other key details. The table’s organization into periods and groups also allows for the identification of trends and patterns in element properties. Moreover, comprehending the periodic table enables scientists to predict the behavior of elements, facilitate research, and guide applications in various fields. By familiarizing ourselves with the periodic table, we gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental building blocks of matter and the intricate connections that exist within the realm of chemistry.
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