How To Read The Periodic Table

Down a group means moving from top to bottom.

How to read the periodic table. The periodic table is organized to showcase the different trends periodicity. 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. The vertical columns of the periodic table marked by yellow stripes in the figure are called groups. 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. 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 colors of the periodic table represent the properties of each element. They are there to indicate whether an element is a solid liquid or gas. Reading the periodic table the interactive model doesn t allow you to build atoms with more than 10 protons. The horizontal rows are called periods. Reading the periodic table.

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. Understanding the periodic table of elements. In discussing the periodic table from here on out we will use the terms group and period. The atomic number itself can also tell you lots about the element. 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. Elements are all organized according to their atomic number and arranged in order from low atomic numbers to high atomic numbers. Then as you move right across the chart make note that the atomic weight shown at the bottom of the square also increases. Liquids are written in red gasses are the elements written in green and most of the time elements written in black are solids. There are 18 groups and 7 periods.

All of the numbers letters and colors of the periodic table of elements can seem a bit overwhelming. Examine this explanation of the symbols and numbers displayed on the periodic table.