Explore the interactive periodic table of elements. View detailed information about chemical elements including atomic properties, physical characteristics, and discovery history.
The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of the chemical elements, organized by their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties.
The periodic table was created by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869.
As of 2024, there are 118 confirmed elements in the periodic table.
The lightest element is Hydrogen, with an atomic number of 1.
The heaviest element is Oganesson, with an atomic number of 118.
Alkali metals are elements in Group 1 of the periodic table, known for being highly reactive, especially with water.
Noble gases are elements in Group 18 of the periodic table, known for being inert and non-reactive under standard conditions.
The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity.
Atomic mass is the mass of an atom, typically expressed in atomic mass units (u), and is roughly equivalent to the sum of protons and neutrons in the atom.
Electron configuration is the distribution of electrons of an atom or molecule in atomic or molecular orbitals.
Transition metals are elements in Groups 3-12 of the periodic table, known for their ability to form variable oxidation states and colored compounds.
Metalloids are elements with properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals, often found along the zigzag line on the periodic table.
A period is a horizontal row in the periodic table, where elements have the same number of electron shells.
A group is a vertical column in the periodic table, where elements have similar chemical properties and the same number of valence electrons.
Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a chemical bond.
The most electronegative element is Fluorine, with an electronegativity value of 3.98 on the Pauling scale.
Lanthanoids are a series of 15 metallic elements from Lanthanum (atomic number 57) to Lutetium (atomic number 71) in the periodic table.
Actinoids are a series of 15 metallic elements from Actinium (atomic number 89) to Lawrencium (atomic number 103) in the periodic table.
The periodic table is significant because it organizes elements in a way that highlights their similarities and differences, making it a valuable tool for understanding chemical behavior.
New elements are typically discovered through experiments involving the collision of atomic nuclei, often in particle accelerators, and are confirmed through their unique properties and behavior.