Periodic Table Vocabulary

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Periodic Table

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A tabular arrangement of chemical elements, organized by their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties.

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Groups

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Vertical columns in the periodic table that classify elements with similar chemical behaviors.

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Periods

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Horizontal rows in the periodic table, where elements have the same number of electron shells.

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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 identity.

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Atomic Mass

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The mass of an atom, typically expressed in atomic mass units (amu), approximately equivalent to the number of protons and neutrons in the atom.

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Alkali Metals

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Elements in group 1 of the periodic table, known for being highly reactive, especially with water.

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Alkaline Earth Metals

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Elements in group 2 of the periodic table, known for being reactive metals, though less so than alkali metals.

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Transition Metals

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Elements found in groups 3-12 of the periodic table, known for their ability to form various oxidation states and colored compounds.

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Conductors

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Materials that allow the flow of electrical current, often metals.

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Malleable

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A property of metals that allows them to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets.