The periodic table of elements at first glance resembles a scrabble board in that colored squares of information are lined up horizontally and vertically. Within these blocks of information we learn the symbol of elements, the atomic weight, the date the element was discovered, and other pertinent information. Even the color of the informational square signifies valuable information.
As an example, The green squares comes in two shades of green which suggest the two groups share similar qualities but are still quite different. Other colors are a deep pink, purple, and blue. These colors represent their acid base qualities. The alkali metals are green and the transitional metals are pink.
The vertical columns, eighteen in all are families and the horizontal arrangement is called periods. Those arranged vertically are similar but have differences; those arranged horizontally are unlike, thus so indicated by being called periods. (A period denoting the finality of each block.)
Reading the chart from left to right, the first one is an active solid and the last one is a gas that is not viable. In other words the activity of each unlike period or dissimilar element is so arranged according to the activity level. In other words, the atomic size decreases across while the atomic mass increases. To remember this, lighter elements on the left of the chart, heavier on the right.
Symbolically, each element – each block or square – are capital letters taken from their name. Examples are B for Boron, O for oxygen, but there are at first glance what looks like exceptions; Au for gold, Ag for silver and PB for lead and so on. The rule still applies these names are taken from the Latin names for gold and silver – Aurum for gold, Plumbum for lead etc. Others are named for people, such as Einsteinium for Einstein. Ths symbol is Es.
Other information included in the box is the atomic number at the top right hand corner, the Symbol and above that the name such as O and oxygen. The four smaller numbers on the right below the atomic number is the date of discovery. Hydrogen was discovered in 1776, Lithium in 1817 and Europian in 1901. The atomic weight is printed in small numbers on the bottom left hand corner. Note that this is different from the atomic number that is the large number at top right. At the lower right hand corner are other numbers representing the positive or negative charge of the atoms.
What are elements? Elements are substances larger than atoms that make up matter. Matter is substance that takes up space. The whole of the universe, our world, are made up of elements, the trees, the water, and the air
Elements have the same number of electrically charged protons and negatively charged electrons. Yet this atomic weight changes when they have a different number of neutrons. When two or more elements are mixed, they form compounds. Those elements with atomic weights above 83 are unstable elements and are radioactive.
Thus, at a glance, the information contained within these informational squares is invaluable for students of chemistry and others who need to know chemical information hurriedly. Good advice would be to paste a chart on the wall near the computer desk thus having a ready reference guide to the world of elements.
