Periodic Table Basics Review

Front

What is the atomic mass?

Back

The atomic mass is the weighted average mass of an element's isotopes, measured in atomic mass units (amu). For example, the atomic mass of Copper (Cu) is approximately 63.546 amu.

Front

What is a period in the periodic table?

Back

A period is a horizontal row of elements in the periodic table. Each period corresponds to the number of electron shells in the atoms of the elements in that row.

Front

What are the vertical columns on the periodic table called?

Back

The vertical columns on the periodic table are called groups or families. Elements in the same group share similar chemical properties.

Front

What do the vertical columns on the periodic table indicate?

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The vertical columns indicate the number of valence electrons (electrons in the outermost shell) of the elements in that group.

Front

What are the horizontal rows on the periodic table called?

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The horizontal rows on the periodic table are called periods.

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What is the significance of the atomic number?

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The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom and determines the element's identity. For example, Hydrogen has an atomic number of 1.

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What are metals?

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Metals are elements that are typically shiny, good conductors of heat and electricity, and malleable. They are found on the left side and in the center of the periodic table.

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What are nonmetals?

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Nonmetals are elements that are usually dull, poor conductors of heat and electricity, and brittle. They are found on the right side of the periodic table.

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What are metalloids?

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Metalloids are elements that have properties of both metals and nonmetals. They are found along the zig-zag line on the periodic table.

Front

What is a chemical symbol?

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A chemical symbol is a one or two-letter abbreviation for an element, derived from its English or Latin name. For example, the chemical symbol for Sodium is Na.