How To Read The Periodic Table

The horizontal rows are called periods.

How to read the periodic table. Elements are all organized according to their atomic number and arranged in order from low atomic numbers to high atomic numbers. Across a period means moving from left to right. All of the numbers letters and colors of the periodic table of elements can seem a bit overwhelming. To read the periodic table start at the top left with the elements with the lowest atomic numbers which tells you how many protons each atom has. The atomic number itself can also tell you lots about the element.

In discussing the periodic table from here on out we will use the terms group and period. 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. Atomic radius half the distance between the center of two atoms just touching each other increases moving top to bottom down the table decreases moving left to right across the table. Understanding the periodic table of elements. The vertical columns of the periodic table marked by yellow stripes in the figure are called groups.

Reading the periodic table. They are there to indicate whether an element is a solid liquid or gas. The section in the. Examine this explanation of the symbols and numbers displayed on the periodic table. Down a group means moving from top to bottom.

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. This is a guide designed to alleviate the confusion that many of us have about chemistry s most useful tool. It can help to understand the valency the coordination number and the position you would expect to find it on the periodic table. There are 18 groups and 7 periods. Liquids are written in red gasses are the elements written in green and most of the time elements written in black are solids.

The periodic table is organized to showcase the different trends periodicity. The periodic table can be used to determine the following properties of materials.