![]() ![]() The number of protons defines the element and determines its chemical behavior.Ītomic Symbol – the abbreviation chosen to represent the element.Ītomic Weight – for naturally occurring elements (1 thru 92) the atomic weight is the average mass of the isotopes of the element and is represented in atomic mass units (AMU). The columns and rows form cells (boxes) into which vital information about a specific element is written.Īlong with these three properties, we will also need to know a few Terms or Definitions in order to understand what we are talking about.Ītomic Number – the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of the element. ![]() Elements are listed in order of increasing atomic number (number of protons in the atomic nucleus).ģ. The table is organized into columns (vertical) and rows (horizontal).Ģ. The first 3 properties about the table that should be evident are:ġ. What we are primarily interested in is the basic information the table provides (directly) about each of the various 118 elements. ![]() The table not only provides important information about each specific element listed but also allows users to recognize “trends” in the properties of the elements with regard to ionization energy, atomic radius, electronegativity, reactivity, etc. The current table contains 118 known elements (more or less) and is being regularly reviewed and updated. While elements may be added, and new information about known elements may also be added, the basic organizational rules and conventions remain the same. Suffice it to say that although many scientists have worked on its development, Dmitri Mendeleev is usually credited with its invention. While the history and development of the Periodic Table of Elements is quite interesting, that history is beyond our current discussion. These “basic” organizational elements will also help you to answer our original question. While there are many things you will want to learn about the table, and how to use it properly, there are a few basic facts that you will need to understand in order to get started. The key is to understand how and why the information is organized in this manner. From that understanding, you can understand how to unlock the “secrets of the table.” It may seem like all of that information has no apparent organization, but the truth is that it’s quite well organized. While there are a number of different versions to the Periodic Table, the differences are largely how the information is being presented. Valid Periodic Tables will, for the most part, provide the same information, and be arranged according to the same set of rules and convections.Īs can be seen in the image below, the table contains a lot of information. The “key” that I am talking about is the Periodic Table of Elements. In fact, the use of this key is highly encouraged. ![]() This key is sort of like a secret key or “cheat” code in your favorite video game, that helps you successfully navigate to higher levels in the game. The difference is that the chemistry cheat code is actually something that is available in most science classrooms, textbooks, and online. It is available to everyone. But what if I told you that there is a way that the memory requirements can be reduced a bit? What if I told you that there is actually a “key” that leads chemists to many (not all) of the answers that they might ask throughout their academic and professional careers? Would that be of some help? Even then, would that person have a thorough “understanding” of the material that was memorized? This is probably because of the perceived intricacies involved and all of the memory required to master the subject.Ĭertainly, if a person attempts to master the subject of chemistry through rote memorization the task would be quite arduous, if not insurmountable for all except those gifted with an eidetic memory. While this question may seem simple to answer, it actually demonstrates the use of one of the most basic, yet most important skills used in the subject and science of Chemistry.Ĭhemistry seems to be one of the most daunting and intimidating subjects for HighSchool and Undergrads to attempt to tackle. “ Which is the lightest element in the periodic table?” Please join me as we discuss how to answer one of the most elementary (pun intended) questions in the science of Chemistry. What will you do? Change your Major or program? Hire a tutor? Run away…? You have just learned that you have to take that most dreaded subject of all as part of your academic program. “CHEMISTRY.” ![]()
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