The Periodic Table

The Periodic Table is a complete list of all the elements. It is more than just a list because it is arranged in a definite grid or pattern of rows and columns.

Each row is called a period.

Each column is called a group.

The simplest atom, also the lightest, appears at the top left (Hydrogen), and most complex (also the heaviest) appears at the bottom right.

The atoms are arranged in increasing order of mass.

The Periodic Table, however, has much more. It gives vital information such as atomic number, atomic mass, and electron configuration, which are essential statistics to chemists.

The atomic number is number of protons and electrons.

The atomic mass is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons.

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