The periodic table essay was discovered only in the nineteenth century, but many civilizations like the Greeks knew of the existence of elements in the form of tin, copper, and gold. At first, 50 elements were discovered. Scientists noticed a pattern emerging which distinguished one element from another. Basically, the table is a visual interpretation of the periodic law which established that certain properties of elements repeated periodically when arranged by their atomic number. The common factors could be identified by the table, which had vertical columns having the elements and horizontal rows the periods. One can actually begin learning about the periodic table by writing a custom essay on it.
1. The periodic table established the structure of all elements discovered through the years. It helps not only to simplify chemistry now, but new elements can be predicted. Elements exhibit properties which vary in periods. Scientists studied and found patterns emerging between different elements. Using this knowledge, they can now predict new elements being discovered. It is important to understand why this pattern emerges. Each element is allotted a table in the periodic table. The table contains basic information about it including the atomic number, atomic symbol, and atomic mass.
2. The atomic number is basically the number of protons in an atom. This defines the element. For example, an atom of carbon has six protons, while oxygen atoms have eight protons.
3. The atomic symbol would be represented by one or two letters. For example “H” would represent hydrogen.
4. Atomic mass is defined as atomic mass units (amu). Individual atoms have whole number atomic mass units, but amu on the periodic table is a decimal number. This is because it represents the average isotopes of an element. Isotopes, which are variants of the basic element in terms of the number of neutrons, can weight more or less than the average. The neutrons present in an element can be calculated by subtracting the number of protons from the atomic mass.
5. An atom’s chemical properties will depend on the number of electrons in its outermost shell. Atoms are arranged according to their chemical properties decided by their electron structure. This is an important factor in a periodic table essay. To get further coursework help, it would be better to refer to an actual atomic table.
6. Vertical columns in the periodic table, also known as the known, decide how elements are classified. Those elements with very similar properties are grouped together. They get their names as per the trend followed their properties. For example, the groups could be halogens, noble gases, or alkali metals, among others.
7. Horizontal rows, known as the period, also are representative of the trends.
8. Totally, the eight groups of elements and their group numbers indicate how chemically reactive each element is. For example, group one elements are the most active, while those in group eight are chemically neutral.
9. One has to understand the atomic structure to get a solid foundation in chemistry. It is a good idea to write chemistry coursework including elements from the periodic table. Today, we have 117 known elements. The periodic table is used worldwide by students, scientists, and researchers alike. It has provided a ready reference chart that can provide information instantly. New elements being discovered can now be categorized into the closest group. If you have several more essay questions, do not hesitate to clarify doubts by consulting your tutors. The periodic table essay should be a learning experience for all students of chemistry.
