Introduction to the Periodic Table

Learning Intentions:

1. I can use the Periodic table to determine the atomic number of elements.

2. I can state the name and symbols of different elements.

Experiment

1. Record the length of the strip of paper. 

2. Cut the strip of paper in half. Put one half aside. Measure the length of the other half. Record your result.

3. Cut the measured half, in half again. Again, put one half aside and measure and record the length of the other half.

4. Predict how many times you will be able to cut the strip in half. 

• Basic building blocks of matter.

• An atom is made up of:

  • Protons

  • Neutrons

  • Electrons

Atoms

The Periodic Table

A list of all the known elements is called the Periodic Table.

It is organised into columns called groups.

It is also organised into rows called periods.

On your Periodic Table number the groups 1-18 and the periods 1-7.

Reading the Periodic Table

Number of protons + number of neutrons in the nucleus.

Number of neutrons = atomic mass - atomic number

Atomic Mass

Number of protons in the element.

The Periodic Table is organised in order of atomic number.

Atomic Number

Each element has a unique name and symbol. The chemical symbols of most elements are very easy to understand. The symbol sometimes starts with the capital letter that is the first letter of the element’s name. 

For example:

O = oxygen

C = carbon

N = nitrogen

H = hydrogen

Element Name and Symbol

When there is more than one element starting with the same capital letter, a small letter is also used. 
The second letter is ALWAYS lowercase.

For example:

Cl = chlorine

Ca = calcium

Cr = chromium

Cu = copper

Element Name and Symbol

If an element has a symbol that doesn’t match its modern name, it’s because the symbol is taken from the Greek or Latin name.

For example:

Na = sodium (natrium)

Pb = lead (plumbum)

Hg = mercury (hydro argyros)

Ag = silver (argentum)

K = potassium (kalium)

Fe = iron (ferrum)

Element Name and Symbol

​The Periodic Table is separated into metals, nonmetals and metalloids.

Colour your Periodic Table to match.

• ​shiny/lustrous

• good conductors of heat and electricity

• malleable - can be hammered into sheets

• ductile - drawn into wires

• strong

Metals

​Properties of both metals and nonmetals.

Metalloids

• dull - NOT shiny/lustrous

• POOR conductors of heat and electricity

• brittle - likely to shatter

• lower melting and boiling points

Nonmetals