Periodic Table Vocabulary

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Periodic Table

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A chart that organizes all known elements based on their properties and atomic numbers.

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Element

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A substance made of only one type of atom.

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Atomic Number

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The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element’s position on the periodic table.

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Group

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A vertical column in the periodic table where elements have similar properties.

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Period

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A horizontal row in the periodic table where elements increase in atomic number from left to right.

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Metals

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Elements that are typically shiny, conductive, and malleable, often found on the left side of the periodic table.

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Nonmetals

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Elements that are typically poor conductors of heat and electricity, often found on the right side of the periodic table.

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Metalloids

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Elements that have properties of both metals and nonmetals, often found along the zigzag line separating metals and nonmetals.

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Alkali Metals

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Elements in Group 1 of the periodic table, which are highly reactive metals.

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Alkaline Earth Metals

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Elements in Group 2 of the periodic table, which are reactive metals but less so than alkali metals.