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How to Read the Periodic Table
For example, take the element Iron on the periodic table:
Element Symbol: The element symbol is the abbreviation for an element's name. In this case, the element symbol for Iron is Fe.
Element Name: The full name of the element is usually spelled out onto the cell.
Atomic Number: The atomic number represents the number of protons an atom has for each element. Any atom with 26 protons is Iron.
(Average) Mass Number: An atom's mass number is calculated from the number of protons + the number of neutrons. On each cell of the periodic table, the mass number is the average of all isotopes' mass numbers, weighted by abundance. In this case, the average atomic mass number of Iron is 55.85 amu.
The Periodic Table of Elements
The periodic table of elements orders all discovered elements based on their atomic number (left to right) and electron orbitals (blocks).
Types of Elements (Color Coded)
Alkali Metals: Consists of the most reactive metals, reacts with water to form hydroxide solutions, hence the name. Are representational to their group, as they carry one valence electron.
Alkaline Earth Metals: Consists of very reactive metals. They are typically found on Earth as insoluble salts and also reacts with water to form hydroxide solutions, hence the name. Are representational to their group, as they carry two valence electrons.
Transition Metals: Consists of various metals, with most of them possessing more than one oxidation number.
Post-Transition Metals: Also consists of various metals, with most of them possessing more than one oxidation number. Different from transitional metals due to their additional p-subshell.
Metalloids: Consist of elements that exhibit both metallic and nonmetallic properties. Valence electrons depend on their groups, are usually representational.
Diatomic Nonmetal: Consists of nonmetals that naturally exist as diatomic molecules. Valence electrons depend on their groups, are representational.
Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine, and Iodine are considered halogens, a very reactive group of nonmetals due to having 7 valence electrons, 1 away from ideal.
Polyatomic Nonmetal: Consists of nonmetals that naturally exist as polyatomic molecules. Valence electrons also depend on their groups, are representational.
Noble Gases: Consists of elements that have a full valence shell.
Lanthanides: Transitional metals that fill out the 4f subshell.
Actinides: Transitional metals that fill out the 5f subshell.
Groups and Periods:
Groups (Columns): Elements with relatively similar chemical behavior are sorted out in each group due to their valence electrons. Counted rightwards.
Group 13, the column that starts with Boron (B), can be called Group 3A, and so on for the other groups.
Periods (Rows): Elements with the same principle energy levels are sorted out in rows. Counted downwards.
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