How To Read The Periodic Table

In discussing the periodic table from here on out we will use the terms group and period.

How to read the periodic table. Understanding the periodic table of elements. The atomic number itself can also tell you lots about the element. To find out how many protons neutrons and electrons are in these larger atoms you need to read the information from the periodic table of elements. Examine this explanation of the symbols and numbers displayed on the periodic table. They are there to indicate whether an element is a solid liquid or gas.

The periodic table is organized to showcase the different trends periodicity. Then as you move right across the chart make note that the atomic weight shown at the bottom of the square also increases. The colors of the periodic table represent the properties of each element. Liquids are written in red gasses are the elements written in green and most of the time elements written in black are solids. All of the numbers letters and colors of the periodic table of elements can seem a bit overwhelming.

Across a period means moving from left to right. The horizontal rows are called periods. Reading the periodic table. Elements are all organized according to their atomic number and arranged in order from low atomic numbers to high atomic numbers. It can help to understand the valency the coordination number and the position you would expect to find it on the periodic table.

This is a guide designed to alleviate the confusion that many of us have about chemistry s most useful tool. A section of the periodic table showing metals and non metals the main groups are numbered from 1 to 7 going from left to right and the last group on the right is group 0. There are 18 groups and 7 periods. The vertical columns of the periodic table marked by yellow stripes in the figure are called groups. The section in the.

Down a group means moving from top to bottom. Reading the periodic table the interactive model doesn t allow you to build atoms with more than 10 protons.