The modern periodic table
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Electricity
Waves
Forces and motion
Energy
Earth and atmosphere
Acids and alkalis
Chemical reactions
Pure and impure substances
The periodic table and properties of materials
Atoms, elements and compounds
States of matter
Genetics and evolution
Interactions and interdependencies
Plants
Human reproduction
Human gas exchange systems
Human nutrition, digestion and health
Human skeleton and muscles
Explainer Video
Summary
The modern periodic table
In a nutshell
The elements are arranged in groups and periods in the modern periodic table. They are also grouped together, either as metals or non-metals.
The periodic table
Arrangement of the periodic table
All the elements in the periodic table are arranged into groups and periods.
The columns are called groups. Elements in the same group share similar physical and chemical properties.
Example
Group metals are soft and shiny and they react instantaneously with oxygen. However, the further you go down Group the more violently the elements react with oxygen.
The rows are called periods, going from left to right.
Example
Period is from lithium () to neon ().
All the symbols of the elements start with a capital letter. Any letters that follow are in lower case.
Metals are located on the left hand side of the periodic table (light purple) and non-metals are located on the right hand side of the periodic table (dark purple).
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
How is the periodic table arranged?
The elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number in the modern periodic table.
What are the rows in the periodic table called?
The rows in the periodic table are called periods. They go from left to right.
What are the columns in the periodic table called?
The columns in the periodic table are called groups.