1
H
He
1.0079
4.0026
2
3
Li
4
Be
5
6
7
8
9
10
B
C
N
O
F
Ne
6.941
9.0122
10.811
12.011
14.007
15.999
18.998
20.179
11
Na
12
Mg
13
14
15
16
17
18
Al
Si
P
S
Cl
Ar
22.990
24.305
26.982
28.086
30.974
32.065
35.453
39.948
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
K
Ca
Sc
Ti
V
Cr
Mn
Fe
Co
Ni
Cu
Zn
Ga
Ge
As
Se
Br
Kr
39.098
40.078
44.956
47.867
50.942
51.996
54.938
55.845
58.933
58.693
63.546
65.409
69.723
72.64
74.922
78.96
79.904
83.798
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
Rb
Sr
Y
Zr
Nb
Mo
Tc
Ru
Rh
Pd
Ag
Cd
In
Sn
Sb
Te
I
Xe
85.468
87.62
88.906
91.224
92.906
95.94
(98)
101.07
102.91
106.42
107.87
112.41
114.82
118.71
121.76
127.60
126.90
131.29
55
56
Cs
Ba
132.91
137.33
87
88
Fr
Ra
(223)
(226)
57-71
*
89-103
#
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
Hf
Ta
W
Re
Os
Ir
Pt
Au
Hg
Tl
Pb
Bi
Po
At
Rn
178.49
180.95
183.84
186.21
190.23
192.22
195.08
196.97
200.59
204.38
207.2
208.98
(209)
(210)
(222)
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
Rf
Db
Sg
Bh
Hs
Mt
Ds
Rg
Uub
Uut
Uuq
Uup
Uuh
Uus
Uud
(261)
(262)
(266)
(264)
(277)
(268)
(271)
(272)
(269)
(284)
(289)
(288)
(292)
(284)
(284)
57
Ce
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
La
Be
Pr
Nd
Pm
Sm
Eu
Gd
Tb
Dv
Ho
Er
Tm
Yb
Lu
138.91
140.12
140.91
144.24
(145)
150.36
151.96
157.25
158.93
162.50
164.93
167.26
168.93
173.04
174.97
103
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
Ac
Th
Pa
U
Np
Pu
Am
Cm
Bk
Cf
Es
Fm
Md
No
Lr
(227)
232.04
231.04
238.03
(237)
(244)
(243)
(247)
(247)
(251)
(252)
(257)
(258)
(259)
(262)
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Alkali Metals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Alkali Earth Metals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Transition Metals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Other Metals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Metalloids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Nonmetals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Halogens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Noble Gases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Rare Earth Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-20
Lanthanide Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-18
Actinide Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-20
Periodic Table Color/B&W . . . . . . . . . . . . .21-22
Blank Table With Activity Ideas . . . . . . . . . .23
Copyright © 2004 Schlessinger Media,
a division of Library Video Company
All rights reserved.
A Guide to the Elements
Introduction
All of the substances in our world are made of a limited number of basic elements. Each
element is made of atoms, and atoms are made of subatomic particles called neutrons, protons and electrons. Every atom in a specific element contains the same number of protons
in its nucleus (e.g., sulfur has 16 protons, oxygen has 8 protons).These elements — 88 found in
nature and over 100 in all — have unique properties and combine in different ways to produce millions of different compounds and mixtures.
By the 19th century, scientists observed that elements could be grouped according to their
chemical properties. In 1869, Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev noticed the repetition of
certain patterns among elements. Based on his observations and those of others, he was able
to organize the 63 then-known elements into a periodic table organized in a way that shows
relationships among elements. Mendeleev left spaces in his table for elements that hadn’t
been discovered yet and successfully predicted the properties of those undiscovered elements. Within years, the elements Mendeleev had predicted were discovered, and they fit in
the table exactly where he thought they would!
Each box in the periodic table has information about an element: its chemical symbol (a
one- or two-letter code), its atomic number (number of protons), and its atomic weight
(the average number of protons and neutrons in a sample of the element), as well as other
information. The modern table has seven rows, called periods. Every element in a period
has the same number of electron shells (energy levels). It is important to understand that the
ease with which elements bond depends upon the number of electrons orbiting in the
outer shell or level. Each shell can hold a certain number of electrons; the first level can
hold two electrons and the second level can hold eight. Because an oxygen atom has eight
electrons, its inner shell is full and its second shell has six electrons, with room for two
more. As a result, oxygen can bond with other elements that have one or two electrons in
their outer shell.
There are 18 vertical columns, called groups. These can be numbered 1–18 or with roman
numerals I through VIII. Every element in a group has similar properties and the same
number of electrons in its outer shell. The chemical elements can be classified in many
other different ways. Some tables use colors to distinguish different groupings called
families. These families are: alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, other
metals, rare earth elements, metalloids, nonmetals, halogens and noble gases.
Alkali Metals
The alkali metals, found in group 1 of the periodic table (group IA), are very reactive metals
that do not occur freely in nature. These metals have only one electron in their outer shell.
Therefore, they are ready to lose that one electron through ionic bonding with other elements. In each element, the valence electron configuration is ns1, where n is the period
number. The alkali metals are malleable, ductile and are good conductors of heat and electricity. Their densities are lower than those of other metals. The alkali metals are softer than
most other metals and can explode if they are exposed to water.
Li Lithium (Atomic Number 3)
Discovered in 1817; name from Greek lithos (stone)
Metallic lithium is silvery in appearance. A freshly cut chunk of lithium is silvery, but tarnishes in a minute or so upon exposure to air, resulting in a grey surface. It has the highest
specific heat of any solid element and is the lightest of the metals.
Na Sodium (Atomic Number 11)
Discovered in 1807; name from Latin sodanum (soda)
Sodium is a bright, silvery metal. It is soft and highly reactive. Sodium compounds are used
in the glass, soap, paper, textile, chemical, petroleum and metal industries. The most common sodium compound is sodium chloride (table salt).
K Potassium (Atomic Number 19)
Discovered in 1807; name from Arabic al-qali (ashes), Latin kalium (potash)
Potassium is a silvery-white, light metal. It is very soft and quickly becomes tarnished upon
exposure to air. The tarnishing can be slowed by storing the metal under kerosene.
Potassium ions are necessary for life. Compounds are used in soapmaking, fertilizers and in
the chemical industry as reducing agents.
Rb Rubidium (Atomic Number 37)
Discovered in 1860; name from Latin rubidus (deep red)
Rubidium is a very soft metal that reacts violently with water. It gets its name from the brilliant, deep-red color seen in flame tests.
Cs Cesium (Atomic Number 55)
Discovered in 1860; name from Latin caesius (sky blue)
Cesium is used in some photoelectric cells and as a catalyst in certain reactions. Cesium salts
are used in color television receivers.
Fr Francium 0 (Atomic Number 87)
Discovered in 1939; named for France
Francium’s existence was predicted by Mendeleev in the 1870s, but it was not discovered
until 1939 by Marguerite Perey of the Curie Institute in Paris.
The Periodic Table for Students
4
A Guide to the Elements
Alkaline Earth Metals
The alkaline earth metals are metallic elements found in the second group of the periodic
table. All alkaline earth elements have an oxidation number of +2, making them very
reactive. In each element, the valence electron configuration is ns2, where n is the period
number. Because of their reactivity, the alkaline metals are not found free in nature.
Be Beryllium (Atomic Number 4)
Discovered in 1797; name from Greek bèryllos (emerald-like gem)
The least dense of the Group 2 elements, beryllium is a very hard, tough, toxic metal. Alloys
are used in high-performance aircraft like space shuttles and communication satellites.
Mg Magnesium (Atomic Number 12)
Discovered in 1808; name from Magnisia region in Thessaly (Greece)
Magnesium is a silver-white metal and is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's
crust. It is used in bombs and fireworks as well as engine casings. Compounds are used as
medicine and to protect computers from radio waves.
Ca Calcium (Atomic Number 20)
Discovered in 1808; name from Latin calyx (limestone)
Calcium is a silver-white metal that is very abundant in the Earth’s crust in compounds, but
is never seen in nature as the free metal element. It is an essential element for living things,
especially in muscles, leaves, bones, teeth, and shells. Calcium is found in limestone and used
in construction material.
Sr Strontium (Atomic Number 38)
Discovered in 1808; named for village of Strontian in Scotland
Strontium is a hard, silvery metal of Group 2 that is very similar to calcium. Strontium salts
produce a brilliant red color in fireworks and flares.
Ba Barium (Atomic Number 56)
Discovered in 1808; name from Greek barios (heavy)
Barium is about as soft as lead. Compounds of barium make excellent absorbers of X-ray
radiation, and so are used to outline organs in medical radiology. White barium compounds
are used in paints.
Ra Radium 0 (Atomic Number 88)
Discovered in 1898; name from Latin radius (ray)
Radium is brilliant white when freshly prepared, but blackens upon exposure to air. It emits
alpha, beta and gamma rays over a million times more radioactive than the same mass of
uranium.
The Periodic Table for Students
5
A Guide to the Elements
Transition Metals
The elements in groups 3 through 12 of the periodic table are called “transition metals.” As
with all metals, the transition metals are both ductile and malleable, and conduct electricity
and heat. The interesting thing about transition metals is that their valence electrons — or
the electrons that they use to combine with other elements — are present in more than one
shell. This is why they often exhibit several common oxidation states.
Sc Scandium (Atomic Number 21)
Discovered in 1879; named for Scandinavia
Scandium is a silvery-white metal that develops a slightly yellowish or pinkish cast upon
exposure to the air. It is abundant in stars.
Ti Titanium (Atomic Number 22)
Discovered in 1791; named for Greek gods (Titans)
Titanium is a silvery-grey, light metal that has a low density and good strength, is easily fabricated and has excellent corrosion resistance. Titanium is as strong as steel, but much lighter.
For that reason, it is used in the aerospace industry as well as the boating industry.
V Vanadium (Atomic Number 23)
Discovered in 1830; name from Vanadis, Scandinavian goddess of beauty
Vanadium is a greyish metal named for the goddess of beauty because of its beautiful,
multicolored compounds.
Cr Chromium (Atomic Number 24)
Discovered in 1797; name from Greek chroma (color)
Chromium is a blue-white metal element that, in many ways, resembles iron. It is used in
alloys to make harder metals and stainless alloys. The compounds of chromium have many
brilliant, varied colors and are used as pigments.
Mn Manganese (Atomic Number 25)
Discovered in 1774; named for Magnesia, in Asia Minor
Manganese is a hard, grey-white, brittle metal. It is an important trace element to living
things and is used in alloys with aluminum.
Fe Iron (Atomic Number 26)
Known to the ancients; name from Latin ferrum (iron)
Iron is one of three elements to produce a magnetic field. It is a lustrous metal found in
abundance on the Earth and in stars. The pure metal is very reactive and corrodes readily.
Co Cobalt (Atomic Number 27)
Discovered in 1735; name from German kobolt (goblin)
Cobalt is a brittle, hard metal with magnetic properties similar to those of iron. Cobalt is
present in meteorites. Its salts are used in ceramics and paints to produce a beautiful blue
color.
The Periodic Table for Students
6
A Guide to the Elements
Transition Metals (continued)
Ni Nickel (Atomic Number 28)
Discovered in 1751; name from German nickel (devil)
Nickel is a hard, white metal with magnetic properties. Nickel is used for many alloys, generally making the alloy stronger and less chemically active. The U.S. five-cent coin is made of
25% nickel and 75% copper.
Cu Copper (Atomic Number 29)
Known to the ancients; name from Latin cuprum (metal from Cyprus)
Evidence of copper mining and smelting goes back over 5,000 years into human prehistory.
The metal element is a characteristic golden-red. It is one of the best conductors of heat and
electricity.
Zn Zinc (Atomic Number 30)
Discovered in 1746; name from German zinke (sharp point)
Zinc is a bluish-white, crystalline metal that is slightly brittle at room temperature, but more
malleable at or above 100°C. Zinc metal is used as an alloy with other metals to make coins.
Zinc oxide is used as an antiseptic and as a white pigment.
Y Yttrium (Atomic Number 39)
Discovered in 1794; named for Ytterby, Sweden
Yttrium is a silvery-white metal used to give red color in television tubes. Yttrium is also
used in laser systems, and its compounds create gemstones.
Zr Zirconium (Atomic Number 40)
Discovered in 1789; name from Persian zargun (gold color)
Zirconium is a steel-grey metal found as a constituent of many gemstones.
Nb Niobium (Atomic Number 41)
Discovered in 1801; named for Niobe, daughter of Tantalus in Greek mythology
Niobium is a lustrous, bluish-grey metal. Some magnets contain niobium, and it is used for
body art products.
Mo Molybdenum (Atomic Number 42)
Discovered in 1781; name from Greek molybdenus (lead)
Molybdenum is a silvery-white, very hard metal, and has one of the highest melting points
of all pure elements. In small quantities, molybdenum is effective at hardening steel.
Molybdenum is important in plant nutrition.
Tc Technetium 0 (Atomic Number 43)
Discovered in 1937; name from Greek technetos (artificial)
Technetium is a silvery-grey, radioactive, crystalline transition metal that is not found in
nature. It occurs as one of the fission products of uranium, and is used in bone imaging.
The Periodic Table for Students
7
A Guide to the Elements
Transition Metals (continued)
Ru Ruthenium (Atomic Number 44)
Discovered in 1844; name from Latin Ruthenia (Russia)
Ruthenium is a brittle, greyish metal that does not tarnish and is used in alloys with
platinum and palladium. Ruthenium also has anti-tumor properties, and is used in cancer
treatment.
Rh Rhodium (Atomic Number 45)
Discovered in 1803; name from Greek rodon (rose)
Rhodium is a silvery-white, hard metal used in jewelry and as a catalyst. Compounds of
rhodium can stain human skin, and many are toxic.
Pd Palladium (Atomic Number 46)
Discovered in 1803; named for the asteroid Pallas (named for Greek god of wisdom)
Palladium is a silvery-white, hard metal used to make delicate instruments (e.g. watches, surgical instruments) and to make electrical contacts. White gold is an alloy of gold and
palladium.
Ag Silver (Atomic Number 47)
Known to the ancients; name from Latin argentums (silver)
Silver is a brilliant white, lustrous metal. It has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal. Silver has been used for thousands of years as ornaments and utensils, for
trade and as the basis for many monetary systems. Associated with the moon, it was referred
to as “luna” by alchemists.
Cd Cadmium (Atomic Number 48)
Discovered in 1817; name from Greek kadmeia (calamine)
Cadmium is a soft, bluish-white metal used in batteries and pigments.
Hf Hafnium (Atomic Number 72)
Discovered in 1923; named for Copenhagen, Denmark (Latin Hafinia)
Hafnium is a shiny metal used in lighting and to make nuclear control rods.
Ta Tantalum (Atomic Number 73)
Discovered in 1802; named after Greek mythological figure Tantalus
Tantalum is a rare, hard, blue-grey, lustrous metal used in electrical components for
computers and portable phones. It is also found in surgical instruments and implants
because it does not react with body fluids.
W Tungsten (Atomic Number 74)
Discovered in 1783; name from Swedish tung sten (heavy stone)
Tungsten is a hard, brittle, grey metal. The great majority of tungsten is used as an alloy
with steel to make a hard, tough metal for uses like high-speed drilling and cutting tools.
Tungsten is also used in light bulb filaments due to its high melting point (over 6,000
degrees C).
The Periodic Table for Students
8
A Guide to the Elements
Transition Metals (continued)
Re Rhenium (Atomic Number 75)
Discovered in 1928; name from Latin Rhenus (Rhine)
Rhenium is a silvery-white metal used in wires and filaments for analytical instruments and
photography. Rhenium was the last naturally-occurring element to be discovered.
Os Osmium (Atomic Number 76)
Discovered in 1803; name from Greek osme (odor)
Osmium is a very dense, hard, blue-grey or blue-black metal used in fountain pen tips,
phonograph needles and electrical contacts.
Ir Iridium (Atomic Number 77)
Discovered in 1803; name from Latin iris (rainbow)
Iridium is very rare on the Earth's surface, but common in extraterrestrial objects, such as
asteroids. Its salts are highly colored.
Pt Platinum (Atomic Number 78)
Discovered in 1735; name from Spanish plata (silver)
Platinum is a silvery-white metal that is resistant to corrosion. Before it was identified, it was
often found in silver mines and discarded. Platinum is now considered more precious than
gold.
Au Gold (Atomic Number 79)
Known to the ancients; name from Latin aurum (gold)
Gold is a soft, shiny, yellow, heavy metal used as monetary currency and prized in jewelry.
Hg Mercury (Atomic Number 80)
Known to the ancients; named after the planet Mercury; symbol from the Latin
hydrargyrum (liquid silver)
Mercury is a silvery, liquid metal used in thermometers, barometers, fluorescent lamps and
batteries. Mercury vapors are highly toxic and can cause brain damage.
The Periodic Table for Students
9
A Guide to the Elements
Transition Metals (continued)
The following transition metals are synthetic elements that are not present in the environment. Not much is known about the properties of these elements because isolation of an
observable quantity has never been achieved. It is presumed that they are solids at room
temperature and have a metallic appearance.
Rf Rutherfordium 0 (Atomic Number 104)
Synthesized in 1969; named for Australian physicist Ernest Rutherford
Rutherfordium was created in Berkeley, California, by bombarding plutonium with neon
ions.
Db Dubnium 0 (Atomic Number 105)
Synthesized in 1968; named for the town of Dubna, Russia
Dubnium was first created by bombardment of americium with neon ions.
Sg Seaborgium 0 (Atomic Number 106)
Synthesized in 1974; named for American nuclear chemist Glenn Seaborg
Seaborgium was first synthesized by a nuclear reaction involving the fusion of an isotope
of californium with one of oxygen.
Bh Bohrium 0 (Atomic Number 107)
Synthesized in 1981; named for Danish physicist Neils Bohr
Bohrium was first made through a nuclear reaction involving the fusion of an isotope of
lead with one of chromium.
Hs Hassium 0 (Atomic Number 108)
Synthesized in 1984; named for the German state of Hesse (Latin Hassia)
Hassium was first created by the nuclear fusion of an isotope of lead with one of iron.
.
Mt Meitnerium 0 (Atomic Number 109)
Synthesized in 1982; named for Austrian physicist Lise Meitner
Meitnerium was first produced by fusing an iron atom and a bismuth atom.
Ds Darmstadtium (Atomic Number 110)
Synthesized in 1994; named after the town of Darmstadt, Germany
Darmstadtium was created by fusing a nickel atom and a lead atom together.
Rg Roentgenium (Atomic Number 111)
Synthesized in 1994; named for scientist Wilhelm Roentgen
Roentgenium was first made by fusing bismuth and nickel. Its name has not been formally
accepted; its temporary IUPAC name is unununium.
The Periodic Table for Students
10
A Guide to the Elements
Transition Metals (continued)
Uub Ununbium (Atomic Number 112)
Synthesized in 1996; temporary IUPAC name
Ununbium was first created through a nuclear reaction involving the fusion of a zinc atom
with a lead atom, and is presumably a liquid at room temperature.
The names of these synthetic metals are the Latin equivalents of the atomic numbers. Some
of these other metals have been experimentally observed while others have not.
Uut Ununtrium (Atomic Number 113)
Synthesis possibly observed 2003; temporary IUPAC name
Uuq Ununquadium (Atomic Number 114)
Discovery not confirmed; temporary IUPAC name
Uup Ununpentium (Atomic Number 115)
Possibly observed 2003; temporary IUPAC name
Uuh Ununhexium (Atomic Number 116)
Possibly observed 1999; temporary IUPAC name
Uus Ununseptium (Atomic Number 117)
Not yet discovered; temporary IUPAC name
Uuo Ununoctium (Atomic Number 118)
Discovery not confirmed; temporary IUPAC name
The Periodic Table for Students
11
A Guide to the Elements
Other Metals
The elements classified as “other metals” are located in groups 13, 14, and 15. While these elements are ductile and malleable, they are not the same as the transition metals. These elements, unlike the transition elements, do not exhibit variable oxidation states, and their
valence electrons are only present in their outer shell. All of these elements are solid, have a
relatively high density, and are opaque.
Al Aluminum (Atomic Number 13)
Discovered in 1827; name from Latin alumen (alum)
Aluminum is silvery-white. It is the most abundant metal and the third most abundant
element in the Earth's crust. Before the electrolytic process of producing it was discovered in
1886, aluminum was rare and highly prized. It is now very common and inexpensive to
produce.
Ga Gallium (Atomic Number 31)
Discovered in 1875; name from Latin Gallia (France)
Gallium is a silver metal that is liquid near room temperature. It is used in the semiconductor industry.
In Indium (Atomic Number 49)
Discovered in 1863; name from its blue spectral lines
Indium is a rare silvery-white metal used to coat ball-bearings, mirrors and transistors.
Sn Tin (Atomic Number 50)
Known to the ancients; name from Latin stannum (tin)
Tin is a metal that forms crystals in the solid state. It does not react with mild acids or the
normal constituents of the air, making it useful as a coating for cheaper metals like iron or
steel for roofing and cans. Pewter and solder are other important alloys of tin.
Tl Thallium (Atomic Number 81)
Discovered in 1861; name from Greek (green shoot)
Thallium is a silvery-white metallic solid. Odorless, colorless compounds of thallium are used
to kill rodents and ants.
Pb Lead (Atomic Number 82)
Known to the ancients; name from Latin plumbum (lead)
Lead is a soft, bluish-white metal. It is extremely toxic, affecting the nervous system after
extended exposure. It is used in batteries, ammunition, solder and shielding against
radiation.
Bi Bismuth (Atomic Number 83)
Discovered in the Middle Ages; name from German weisse masse (white mass)
Bismuth has a metallic, silvery shine as well as a slightly pink color. For a metal, bismuth has
a low melting point and a low electrical conductivity. It is used in cosmetics, medicines and
fire extinguishers.
The Periodic Table for Students
12
A Guide to the Elements
Metalloids
Metalloids are the elements found along the stair-step line that distinguishes metals from
nonmetals on the periodic table. They possess properties of both metals and nonmetals.
Some of the metalloids, such as silicon and germanium, are semiconductors. This means that
they can carry an electrical charge under special conditions. This property makes metalloids
useful in computers and calculators.
B Boron (Atomic Number 5)
Discovered in 1808; name from Persian burah (borax)
Boron is a black solid that is not found free in nature. Boron is used in pyrotechnics and
flares to produce a green color and is used in cleaning supplies and medical antiseptics.
Si Silicon (Atomic Number 14)
Discovered in 1823; name from Latin silex (flint)
Silicon is a dark, bluish-grey solid used in computer chips and as a component for glass.
Silicon makes up one quarter of the Earth’s crust and is important to plants and animals.
Ge Germanium (Atomic Number 32)
Discovered in 1886; name from Latin Germania (Germany)
Germanium is a greyish-white metalloid used in the transistors found in computers, radios
and televisions.
As Arsenic (Atomic Number 33)
Discovered in the Middle Ages; name from Arabic al-zarn-kh (gold-colored)
Arsenic is a metallic, steel-grey, crystalline and brittle substance used in hardening metals,
insecticides and coloring materials in paints. Compounds of arsenic are poisonous.
Sb Antimony (Atomic Number 51)
Discovered in the Middle Ages; name from Greek antimonos (metal not found alone)
Antimony is a silvery-white, crystalline metal. Antimony is more brittle and less conductive
of heat and electricity than most metals. Antimony is used in alloys and in paints and
pottery.
Te Tellurium (Atomic Number 52)
Discovered in 1782; name from Latin tellus (Earth)
Tellurium is a silvery, lustrous, grey solid that is used as a semiconductor.
The Periodic Table for Students
13
A Guide to the Elements
Nonmetals
Nonmetals are the elements found in groups 14 through 16 of the periodic table. Nonmetals
are not able to conduct electricity or heat very well. As opposed to metals, nonmetallic elements are very brittle and cannot be rolled into wires or pounded into sheets. The nonmetals exist in two of the three states of matter at room temperature: gases (such as oxygen)
and solids (such as carbon). The nonmetals have no metallic luster and do not reflect light.
H Hydrogen (Atomic Number 1)
Recognized as an element in 1776; name from Greek hydro and genes (water-forming)
Hydrogen is the lightest element. It is by far the most abundant element in the universe and
makes up about 90 percent of the universe by weight. Hydrogen is absolutely essential to life,
and it is present in all organic compounds. While normally shown at the top of the Group 1
elements in the periodic table, it is not an alkali metal.
C Carbon (Atomic Number 6)
Known to the ancients; name from Latin carbo (charcoal)
Carbon has a number of allotropes and is used as a fuel and as a lubricant, and is prized as
jewelry. Carbon is available in several forms, including amorphous powder, graphite rods, diamond, “buckminster fullerenes,” foil, sheet and wire.
N Nitrogen (Atomic Number 7)
Discovered in 1772; name from Greek nitron and genes (nitre-forming)
Nitrogen is a colorless gas that makes up 78 percent of the atmosphere. It is used as a refrigerant in its liquid form and to make ammonia for fertilizer.
O Oxygen (Atomic Number 8)
Discovered in 1774; name from Greek oxys and genes (acid-forming)
Oxygen is a highly reactive gas that makes up 21 percent of the Earth’s atmosphere and 33
percent of the human body. The name oxygen was created by Antoine Lavoisier, who incorrectly believed that oxygen was necessary to form all acids.
P Phosphorus (Atomic Number 15)
Discovered in 1669; name from Greek phosphoros (light-bearing)
Phosphorus was first isolated from urine. It is a solid with three main allotropes: white, red
and black. Some phosphorus compounds glow in the dark.
S Sulfur (Atomic Number 16)
Known to the ancients; name from Latin sulfur (brimstone)
Sulfur is a pale yellow, odorless, brittle solid. It is used to make fertilizer, insecticides, and
plays a key role in many industrial processes. Compounds of sulfur include hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs, and sulfuric acid, a component in batteries.
Se Selenium (Atomic Number 34)
Discovered in 1817; name from Greek Selene (moon goddess)
Selenium is a solid used in photographic toner, electric eyes, photo cells, light meters and solar cells.
The Periodic Table for Students
14
A Guide to the Elements
Halogens
The halogens are five nonmetallic elements found in group 17 (also known as Group VII) of
the periodic table. All halogens have seven electrons in their outer shells, giving them an oxidation number of -1 and the electron configuration of [nearest noble gas] ns2np5 .
They are the most reactive nonmetals. The halogens exist at room temperature in all three
states of matter.
F Fluorine (Atomic Number 9)
Discovered in 1771; name from Latin fluere (to flow)
Fluorine is found as a yellow gas. It is the most reactive nonmetal, combining with nearly
any element. As an element, fluorine is used in rocket fuels and helps other materials to
burn.
Cl Chlorine (Atomic Number 17)
Discovered in 1774; name from Greek chloros (greenish-yellow)
Chlorine is a greenish gas used to produce safe drinking water and products such as paper,
dyestuffs, textiles, petroleum products, medicines, antiseptics and insecticides. It is extremely
toxic and was used as a weapon (mustard gas) in World War I.
Br Bromine (Atomic Number 35)
Discovered in 1826; name from Greek bromos (stench)
Bromine is the only nonmetal found as a liquid at room temperature. It is a heavy,
brownish-red liquid with a strong odor that irritates eyes and throats.
I Iodine (Atomic Number 53)
Discovered in 1811; name from Greek iodes (violet)
Iodine is a bluish-black, lustrous solid with an irritating odor. Its compounds are very useful
in medicine.
At Astatine 0 (Atomic Number 85)
Discovered in 1940; name from Greek astatos (unstable)
Astatine is a dangerously radioactive element made in nuclear reactors. The half-life of the
longer-lived isotope is only eight hours.
The Periodic Table for Students
15
A Guide to the Elements
Noble Gases
The six noble gases are found in group 18 of the periodic table. These elements were considered to be inert gases until the 1960s because their oxidation number of 0 prevents the
noble gases from forming compounds readily. All noble gases have the maximum number
of electrons possible in their outer shell (two for helium, eight for all others), making them
stable.
He Helium (Atomic Number 2)
Discovered in 1895; from Greek helios (sun)
Helium is a colorless, odorless gas that makes up about 23% of the universe’ mass. Helium has
the lowest melting point of any element, and its boiling point is close to absolute zero.
Ne Neon (Atomic Number 10)
Discovered in 1898; name from the Greek word neos (new)
Obtained in the form of liquid air, neon is a nonreactive, colorless and odorless gas at room
temperature. Often used in lights, it gives off a orange-red glow.
Ar Argon (Atomic Number 18);
Discovered in 1894; from the Greek word argon (inactive)
Argon is the third most common gas in the air, making up 1% of the atmosphere.
Kr Krypton (Atomic Number 36)
Discovered in 1898; name from Greek kryptos (hidden)
Krypton is an odorless, colorless gas, that is nonreactive to all elements except for fluorine
gas.
Xe Xenon (Atomic Number 54)
Discovered in 1898; name from Greek word xenon (stranger)
Xenon is the heaviest and the rarest of the naturally-occurring inert gases in air that
produces a beautiful, blue glow in fluorescent tubes.
Rn Radon (Atomic Number 86)
Discovered in 1900; named after the element radium
Radon is colorless and odorless, and is chemically inert, but it is dangerous because it gives
off alpha rays. There is a detectable amount in the atmosphere, and concentrations can build
up indoors in certain localities. While dangerous, it is also used to predict earthquakes.
The Periodic Table for Students
16
A Guide to the Elements
Rare Earth Elements
The 30 rare earth elements are composed of the lanthanide and actinide series. All of the
rare earth metals are found in group 3 of the periodic table, and the 6th (5d electronic configuration) and 7th (5f electronic configuration) periods. One element of the lanthanide
series and most of the elements in the actinide series are called trans-uranium, which means
synthetic or man-made.
Lanthanide Series: 0 The lanthanides are located in block 5d of the periodic table.
They are relatively soft, silvery-white metals that tarnish when exposed to air.
(Hardness increases somewhat with higher atomic number.) Lanthanides are very reactive and have high melting and boiling points. Moving from left to right across the
period with increasing atomic number, the radius of each lanthanide 3+ ion steadily
decreases. This is referred to as “lanthanide contraction.”
La Lanthanum (Atomic Number 57)
Discovered in 1839; name from Greek lanthanein (hidden)
Lanthanum is a soft, silvery-white metal used by the motion picture industry for studio lighting and projection.
Ce Cerium (Atomic Number 58)
Discovered in 1803; named for the asteroid Ceres first seen in 1801
Cerium is an iron-grey metal and is the most abundant rare earth element.
Pr Praseodymium (Atomic Number 59)
Discovered in 1885; name from Greek prasios-didymos (green twin)
Praseodymium is a soft, silvery metal that develops a green coating.
Nd Neodymium (Atomic Number 60)
Discovered in 1885; name from Greek neo-didymos (new twin)
Neodymium is a yellow metal with a bright, silvery, metallic luster. It is highly reactive and is used to color glass.
Pm Promethium 0 (Atomic Number 61)
Discovered in 1945; named for Greek mythical figure Prometheus
Promethium is a radioactive metal that is absent from Earth’s crust but has been identified on distant stars.
Sm Samarium (Atomic Number 62)
Discovered in 1879; name from samarskite, a mineral named for Russian mineralogist
Samarskij.
Samarium is a grey metal with a bright luster used in lighting and the creation of
permanent magnets and lasers.
The Periodic Table for Students
17
A Guide to the Elements
Rare Earth Elements: Lanthanide Series (continued)
Eu Europium (Atomic Number 63)
Discovered in 1901; named for continent of Europe
Europium is a silvery-white, soft metal. It is the most reactive of the rare earth metals
and the most expensive. Europium is used in color computer monitors and television
tubes.
Gd Gadolinium (Atomic Number 64)
Discovered in 1880; named for gadolinite, a mineral named after Johan Gadolin
Gadolinium is a silvery-white metal with unusual superconductive properties, making
it useful in metal alloys as a magnetic component and as a constituent of compact
discs.
Tb Terbium (Atomic Number 65)
Discovered in 1843; named for Ytterby, a village in Sweden
Terbium metal is a silver-grey metal used in color television tubes and in fuel cells as a
stabilizer.
Dy Dysprosium (Atomic Number 66)
Discovered in 1886; name from Greek dysprositos (hard to obtain)
Dysprosium is a soft, silvery metal that was not isolated until 1950.
Ho Holmium (Atomic Number 67)
Discovered in 1878; name for Stockholm, Sweden
Holmium is a silver metal with unusual magnetic properties.
Er Erbium (Atomic Number 68)
Discovered in 1843; named for Ytterby, a village in Sweden
Erbium is added to other metals to change their properties and is used as a colorant
for glass.
Tm Thulium (Atomic Number 69)
Discovered in 1879; named for Thule — northern country (Scandinavia)
Thulium is a soft, silver-grey metal that is expensive and potentially useful as an energy source.
Yb Ytterbium (Atomic Number 70)
Discovered in 1878; named for Ytterby, a village in Sweden
Ytterbium is bright silver and is soft and malleable.
Lu Lutetium (Atomic Number 71)
Discovered in 1907; name from Latin Lutetia Parisorum (Paris)
Lutetium is a radioactive metal that is difficult to purify. The spelling of the element
was changed from lutecium to lutetium in 1949.
The Periodic Table for Students
18
A Guide to the Elements
Rare Earth Elements (continued)
Actinide Series: 0 All actinide isotopes are extremely radioactive. Study of the
properties of the actinides is hampered by their radioactive instability. It is known,
however, that all members of the series resemble actinium in their chemical properties.
The actinides are reactive and assume a number of different valences in their compounds. As the atomic number increases in this series, added electrons enter the 5f
electron orbital.
Ac Actinium (Atomic Number 89)
Discovered in 1899; name from Greek aktis (ray)
Actinium is a decay product of uranium.
Th Thorium (Atomic Number 90)
Discovered in 1828; named for Norse god, Thor
Thorium metal is a source of nuclear power.
Pa Protactinium (Atomic Number 91)
Discovered in 1913; name from Greek protos (first)
Protactinium was first called “brevium” when it was discovered as a short-lived product of uranium decay.
U Uranium (Atomic Number 92)
Discovered in 1789; name from planet Uranus
Uranium is a heavy, silvery-white metal used as nuclear fuel.
Np Neptunium (Atomic Number 93)
Synthesized in 1940; named for the planet Neptune
Neptunium was the first trans-uranium element to be synthesized. It is used as a
component in neutron detection instruments.
Pu Plutonium (Atomic Number 94)
Synthesized in 1940; named for the planet Pluto
Plutonium was the second trans-uranium element of the actinide series to be discovered. A silvery metal that is warm to the touch, it is an ingredient in nuclear weapons
and nuclear power reactors.
Am Americium (Atomic Number 95)
Synthesized in 1944; named for America
Americium is a white metal used in smoke detectors.
Cm Curium (Atomic Number 96)
Synthesized in 1944; named for Pierre and Marie Curie
Curium was created by the bombardment of plutonium with helium ions.
The Periodic Table for Students
19
A Guide to the Elements
Rare Earth Elements: Actinide Series (continued)
Bk Berkelium (Atomic Number 97)
Synthesized in 1949; named for Berkeley, California
Berkelium was first created by bombarding americium with helium ions.
Cf Californium (Atomic Number 98)
Synthesized in 1950; named for state and University of California
Californium was first created by bombarding curium with helium ions.
Es Einsteinium (Atomic Number 99)
Synthesized in 1952; named for Albert Einstein
Einsteinium was created by the irradiation of uranium with neutrons.
Fm Fermium (Atomic Number 100)
Synthesized in 1953; named for Enrico Fermi
Fermium was created by the irradiation of lighter trans-uranium elements with
neutrons.
Md Mendelevium (Atomic Number 101)
Synthesized in 1955; named for Dmitri Mendeleev;
Mendelevium was created by the bombardment of einsteinium with helium ions.
No Nobelium (Atomic Number 102)
Synthesized in 1958; named for Alfred Nobel
Nobelium was created by the bombardment of curium with carbon ions.
Lr Lawrencium (Atomic Number 103)
Synthesized in 1961; named for Ernest Lawrence
Lawrencium was first created by the bombardment of californium with boron ions.
The Periodic Table for Students
20
A Guide to the Elements
1
9.0122
4
Be
2
Ti
22
41
50.942
V
23
95.94
Mo
42
51.996
Cr
24
(98)
Tc
43
54.938
Mn
25
101.07
Ru
44
55.845
Fe
26
102.91
Rh
45
58.933
Co
27
106.42
Pd
46
58.693
Ni
28
107.87
Ag
47
63.546
Cu
29
112.41
Cd
48
65.409
Zn
30
114.82
In
49
69.723
Ga
31
26.982
Al
13
10.811
B
5
13
118.71
Sn
50
72.64
Ge
32
28.086
Si
14
12.011
C
6
14
121.76
Sb
51
74.922
As
33
30.974
P
15
14.007
N
7
15
127.60
Te
52
78.96
Se
34
32.065
S
16
15.999
O
8
16
126.90
I
53
79.904
Br
35
35.453
Cl
17
18.998
F
9
17
131.29
Xe
54
83.798
Kr
36
39.948
Ar
18
20.179
Ne
10
18
3
Li
12
Mg
21
47.867
Nb
104
178.49
Hf
72
(262)
Db
105
180.95
Ta
73
Pr
59
(266)
Sg
106
183.84
W
74
92
144.24
Nd
60
(264)
Bh
107
186.21
Re
75
(237)
Np
93
(145)
Pm
61
(277)
Hs
108
190.23
Os
76
(244)
Pu
94
150.36
Sm
62
(268)
Mt
109
192.22
Ir
77
(243)
Am
95
151.96
Eu
63
(271)
Ds
110
195.08
Pt
78
(247)
Cm
96
157.25
Gd
64
(272)
Rg
111
196.97
Au
79
(247)
Bk
97
158.93
Tb
65
(269)
Uub
112
200.59
Hg
80
(251)
Cf
98
162.50
Dv
66
(284)
Uut
113
204.38
Tl
81
(252)
Es
99
164.93
Ho
67
(289)
Uuq
114
207.2
Pb
82
(257)
Fm
100
167.26
Er
68
(288)
Uup
115
208.98
Bi
83
(258)
Md
101
168.93
Tm
69
(292)
Uuh
116
(209)
Po
84
(259)
No
102
173.04
Yb
70
(284)
Uus
117
(210)
At
85
Lr
103
174.97
Lu
71
(284)
Uud
118
(222)
Rn
86
4.0026
He
2
6.941
24.305
Sc
40
92.906
The Periodic Table
11
Na
20
44.956
Zr
1
H
22.990
Ca
39
91.224
1.0079
19
40.078
Y
Rf
Ce
140.91
U
12
K
38
88.906
(261)
Be
91
238.03
11
39.098
Sr
57
140.12
Pa
10
37
87.62
La
90
231.04
9
Rb
56
*
138.91
Th
8
85.468
Ba
89-103
#
89
232.04
7
55
137.33
6
Cs
88
5
132.91
Ra
4
87
(226)
3
Fr
57-71
(223)
* Lanthanide Series
# Actinide Series
Ac
(262)
(227)
1
9.0122
4
Be
2
Ti
22
41
50.942
V
23
95.94
Mo
42
51.996
Cr
24
(98)
Tc
43
54.938
Mn
25
101.07
Ru
44
55.845
Fe
26
102.91
Rh
45
58.933
Co
27
106.42
Pd
46
58.693
Ni
28
107.87
Ag
47
63.546
Cu
29
112.41
Cd
48
65.409
Zn
30
114.82
In
49
69.723
Ga
31
26.982
Al
13
10.811
B
5
13
118.71
Sn
50
72.64
Ge
32
28.086
Si
14
12.011
C
6
14
121.76
Sb
51
74.922
As
33
30.974
P
15
14.007
N
7
15
127.60
Te
52
78.96
Se
34
32.065
S
16
15.999
O
8
16
126.90
I
53
79.904
Br
35
35.453
Cl
17
18.998
F
9
17
131.29
Xe
54
83.798
Kr
36
39.948
Ar
18
20.179
Ne
10
18
3
Li
12
Mg
21
47.867
Nb
104
178.49
Hf
72
(262)
Db
105
180.95
Ta
73
Pr
59
(266)
Sg
106
183.84
W
74
92
144.24
Nd
60
(264)
Bh
107
186.21
Re
75
(237)
Np
93
(145)
Pm
61
(277)
Hs
108
190.23
Os
76
(244)
Pu
94
150.36
Sm
62
(268)
Mt
109
192.22
Ir
77
(243)
Am
95
151.96
Eu
63
(271)
Ds
110
195.08
Pt
78
(247)
Cm
96
157.25
Gd
64
(272)
Rg
111
196.97
Au
79
(247)
Bk
97
158.93
Tb
65
(269)
Uub
112
200.59
Hg
80
(251)
Cf
98
162.50
Dv
66
(284)
Uut
113
204.38
Tl
81
(252)
Es
99
164.93
Ho
67
(289)
Uuq
114
207.2
Pb
82
(257)
Fm
100
167.26
Er
68
(288)
Uup
115
208.98
Bi
83
(258)
Md
101
168.93
Tm
69
(292)
Uuh
116
(209)
Po
84
(259)
No
102
173.04
Yb
70
(284)
Uus
117
(210)
At
85
Lr
103
174.97
Lu
71
(284)
Uud
118
(222)
Rn
86
4.0026
He
2
6.941
24.305
Sc
40
92.906
The Periodic Table
11
Na
20
44.956
Zr
1
H
22.990
Ca
39
91.224
1.0079
19
40.078
Y
Rf
Ce
140.91
U
12
K
38
88.906
(261)
Be
91
238.03
11
39.098
Sr
57
140.12
Pa
10
37
87.62
La
90
231.04
9
Rb
56
*
138.91
Th
8
85.468
Ba
89-103
#
89
232.04
7
55
137.33
6
Cs
88
5
132.91
Ra
4
87
(226)
3
Fr
57-71
(223)
* Lanthanide Series
# Actinide Series
Ac
(262)
(227)
The following activities can be used to generate an understanding of the trends
in properties of elements and the value of the periodic table.
1) Challenge students to fill in fifteen blanks on the periodic table worksheet with the
correct element symbol, name and atomic weight. Color the metals red, orange or pink,
color the nonmetals green or blue, and color metalloids purple.
2) Identify alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and transition metals with different colors
on the blank table.
3) Color code the areas of the periodic table occupied by the elements whose last electron
is filling the s, p, d, and f sublevels.
4) Use colored symbols to mark each general trend in metallic character, ionization energy,
electronegativity, and the relative sizes of ions and atoms across the periodic table.
* Lanthanide Series
# Actinide Series
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