How do you read elements in a periodic table?

Answer 1

You look at an element and then under the atomic symbol it says what element it is. For example, He is helium.

Or, if you would like a little more information from the Periodic Table, each element has chemical properties (how it behaves with other elements and compounds). That is how we predict whether two things will change color, blow up, just sit there or turn into something else entirely when we try to combine them. The periodic table is based on the planetary model of atoms: protons and neutrons stuck together make a nucleus (like a sun or other gravitational celestial body), and electrons move around the nucleus (like planets, asteroids and comets). And, as this very large picture (see link below) explains,

"The primary determinant of an element's chemical properties is the electron configuration, particularly of the outermost electrons (those in the valence shell). In the periodic table, a period is represented by a row. The number of electron shells an atom has determines what period it belongs to. A group is represented by a vertical column. The number of electrons in the outermost shell determines the group."

And, as this web site (see link below) explains,

"Each atom has been assigned both an atomic number (the number of protons equals the number of electrons) and an atomic weight (approximately equaling the number of protons plus the number of neutrons). A normal helium atom, for example, has two protons and two neutrons in its nucleus, with two electrons in orbit. Its chemical behavior is determined by the atomic number 2 (the number of protons), which equals the normal number of electrons; the stability of its nucleus (that is, its radioactivity) varies with its atomic weight (approximately equal to the number of protons and neutrons).

Styles of notation vary, but usually isotopes are written as:

Atomic number Chemical abbreviation atomic weight

Or as

Atomic weight Chemical abbreviation"

Note: There are comments associated with this question. See the Discuss:How_do_you_read_a_periodic_tableto add to the conversation.

Answer 2

I am no expert, but I hope I can help.

Per every square:

On a periodic table the number at the top is the atomic number. It's how you identify an element.

The bigger letter is the element's chemical symbol. It is more than an abbreviation, it's more important. sometimes it doesn't make sense because the letters don't match the word. For example, Mars is HG. The letters HG pertain to Mars real scientific name that cannot pronounce very well let alone spell.

The last number is it's Atomic Mass. The weight of an atom.

Vertical Columns are called groups and are organized by increasing atomic number. Groups are numbered 1 through18 because there are 18 columns.

Horizontal rows are organized by increasing atomic mass. They are numbered 1 through 7 and are called periods.

Hope that I could help you! This is the topic i just wrote an essay on at school based only on my own note taking.

Answer 3

How do you read it??

Well the table is set up into groups, the non metals, metals, noble gases, alkali, alkaline. Also you can use the table to read the electron configurations of the elements.

Answer 4

we have divided the elements of the table in the groups from 1 to 18 such that each has some or the other common ptoperties like the lithium family have one valence electron in outter most sheel and are very reactive metals similarly we thus divided them

Answer 5

The periodic table contains an abbreviation for each element which has been currently recognized or synthesized.

Answer 6

16 is the atomic number. s is the symbol of the element. sulfur id the name of the element. 32.06 is the atomic mass.

Answer 7

1. Either memorize the whole thing.

or 2. Study about chemistry so much you'll remember it without knowing.

Answer 8

Chemical symbols of elements are specific for each element.

Answer 9

left to right just like reading