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Periodic Table

Definition

The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of chemical elements, organized based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. Elements are listed in order of increasing atomic number.

Analogy

Think of the periodic table as a big family tree for elements. Just like how you can trace your lineage through a family tree, scientists can trace the relationships between different elements using the periodic table.

Related terms

Atomic Number: This is the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom. It defines the identity of an element.

Element Symbol: This is a one or two-letter abbreviation that represents an element on the periodic table. For example, "H" stands for Hydrogen and "O" stands for Oxygen.

Group (Periodic Table): A column in the periodic table that contains elements with similar properties due to having the same number of valence electrons.