1. What is the Periodic Table?

The Periodic Table is a chart that organizes all known chemical elements based on their properties. Each element is represented by a symbol (like H for Hydrogen) and is arranged by increasing atomic number (number of protons).

2. Structure of the Periodic Table

  • Rows (Periods): There are 7 horizontal rows. Each period shows elements with the same number of electron shells.
  • Columns (Groups): There are 18 vertical columns. Elements in the same group share similar chemical properties.

Periodic Table Diagram

3. Element Categories

Category Description Examples
Alkali Metals Very reactive, found in Group 1 Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na)
Alkaline Earth Reactive, found in Group 2 Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca)
Transition Metals Hard, shiny, conduct electricity Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu)
Halogens Very reactive nonmetals, Group 17 Chlorine (Cl), Iodine (I)
Noble Gases Inert gases, Group 18 Helium (He), Neon (Ne)
Lanthanides Rare earth metals, period 6 Cerium (Ce), Europium (Eu)
Actinides Radioactive, period 7 Uranium (U), Plutonium (Pu)

4. How to Read an Element Box

Symbol Atomic Number Name Atomic Mass
Na 11 Sodium 22.99
  • Symbol: Short code for the element.
  • Atomic Number: Number of protons.
  • Atomic Mass: Average mass of the atom.

5. Case Studies

A. Hydrogen: The First Element

  • Symbol: H
  • Atomic Number: 1
  • Properties: Lightest element, colorless gas.
  • Uses: Rocket fuel, water (H₂O), acids.

B. Carbon: The Basis of Life

  • Symbol: C
  • Atomic Number: 6
  • Properties: Forms millions of compounds.
  • Uses: Diamonds, graphite, living organisms.

C. Oganesson: The Newest Element

  • Symbol: Og
  • Atomic Number: 118
  • Properties: Synthetic, highly radioactive, discovered in 2002.
  • Uses: Scientific research only.

6. Latest Discoveries

Superheavy Elements and Stability

Recent research explores the “island of stability”—a region where superheavy elements might exist longer than a few milliseconds. In 2021, scientists at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Russia synthesized new isotopes of element 118 (Oganesson), providing clues about atomic structure at extreme sizes.

Reference:

  • Oganessian, Yu. Ts. et al. (2021). “Synthesis of new isotopes of superheavy elements at the border of the periodic table.” Nature, 597, 66–69. Nature Article

Artificial Elements

Elements above uranium (atomic number 92) are not found in nature. They are made in labs using particle accelerators. These elements help scientists learn about nuclear physics and atomic structure.

7. Surprising Facts

  1. Periodic Table Expansion: Four new elements (Nihonium, Moscovium, Tennessine, Oganesson) were officially added in 2016, completing the 7th period.
  2. Element Names: Some elements are named after places (e.g., Californium, Berkelium) or scientists (e.g., Curium, Einsteinium).
  3. Periodic Table Shape: There are alternative shapes, like circular or spiral tables, to show relationships differently.

8. Data Table: Selected Elements

Element Symbol Atomic Number Group State at Room Temp Uses
Hydrogen H 1 1 Gas Water, fuel cells
Helium He 2 18 Gas Balloons, cooling
Iron Fe 26 8 Solid Construction, machinery
Gold Au 79 11 Solid Jewelry, electronics
Uranium U 92 Actinide Solid Nuclear power, weapons
Oganesson Og 118 18 Unknown Scientific research

9. How the Periodic Table Helps Science

  • Predicting Properties: Knowing an element’s position helps predict its reactivity and uses.
  • Discovering New Elements: Scientists use the table to guide experiments for creating new elements.
  • Understanding Compounds: The table shows which elements combine easily.

10. The Great Barrier Reef Connection

Did you know? The largest living structure on Earth is the Great Barrier Reef, visible from space. Its formation depends on calcium carbonate—a compound made from calcium (Ca) and carbon ©, both found on the Periodic Table!

11. Interactive Learning

  • Explore: Use digital periodic tables to click on elements and see their properties.
  • Experiment: Try simple reactions (with supervision) to see how elements behave.

12. Summary

  • The Periodic Table organizes all known elements by atomic number and properties.
  • It helps predict chemical behavior and guides scientific discovery.
  • Recent research continues to expand our understanding, especially of superheavy elements.

13. References

  • Oganessian, Yu. Ts. et al. (2021). “Synthesis of new isotopes of superheavy elements at the border of the periodic table.” Nature, 597, 66–69.
  • Periodic Table Diagram

End of Study Notes