Periodic Table of Elements Facts

• Elements are the building blocks of all mater.


• The periodic table of elements contains 109 different elements.


• Each element contains a unique type of element. Since each element is different, we know there are 109 unique types of atoms.


• 90 of the 109 elements are found in nature.


• 19 of the 109 elements are only created in a laboratory.


• The one or two letter symbol listed for each element on the periodic table is called the chemical symbol. For example, the element chlorine is listed as Cl.


• Early scientists broke down the number of elements in our world to 4 elements including fire, earth, air and water.


• During the Bronze Age copper, arsenic and gold gained widespread use and were likely isolated as elements because of their value.


• Scientists in the 17th century began to break the number of elements down further.


• In 1766 Henry Cavendish discovered the air (atmosphere) contained more than one element. This was the first discovery that there were separate gas elements


• By the start of the nineteenth century, more than 50 elements were known by scientists.


• In 1869 Dmitri Mendeleev published the first periodic table of elements. Mendeleev's periodic table contained 63 known elements.


• The first periodic table also included blanks for unknown elements because Mendeleev understood that there were repeating patterns of elements.


• Although it has been expanded, the original concept and organization of Mendeleev's periodic table of elements is still used today.



PERIODIC TABLE GROUPS

• The Periodic Table of Elements is grouped by Metals, Non-Metals, Semimetals and Noble Gases

• Metals - These elements conduct heat and electricity well. Shaping this element into sheets or wire is possible.

• Non-Metals - These elements do not conduct heat and electricity. These elements are also not easily shaped.

• Semimetals - Semimetals have properties of both metals and non-metals.

• Nobel Gases - Noble Gases do not combine with other elements.