Sim's Electrical Companion
Periodic Table of Elements
For each of the elements the periodic table uses simple blocks to provide specific information for each element. The number at the top left represents the proton count and is called its atomic number. A stable atom will have the same amount of electrons as it has protons.
An ion is an atom in a state of flux where it has excess electrons (negatively charged anion) or less electrons than protons (positively charged cation) they naturally attract oppositely charged particles & repel like charged particles.
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The next piece of information is the symbol for the element. Usually similar to its common name but not always e.g.. Au = Gold & Cu = Copper. Below that is the elements common name. The number at the bottom is the atomic weight. This is slightly more complicated as the atomic weight is not a fixed number as you might think.
In many cases atoms have more than one isotope meaning it may have more naturally occurring versions of itself with differing numbers of neutrons. The atomic weight is an average value of the most stable naturally occurring isotopes.
For example Hydrogen is the simplest atom with one Proton. It has three naturally occurring isotopes.
Atomic mass is roughly equal to the number of protons and neutrons in an atom. Electrons have little bearing on the mass of an atom. The periodic table itself is set up in order of atomic number and elements with similar characteristics are colour coded to intimate this. Elements 57 - 103 are separated to identify they are rare earth elements. The horizontal rows numbered 1-7 are called periods. The version illustrated below may vary from other versions you may have seen but it is more than adequate reference for a non-chemist like myself.
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Brief Description of Atomic Categories
The sub groups of the periodic table attempt to show atoms that have similarities in their chemical behaviour, electrical and thermal conductivity, ductility etc. There is always some room for dispute and this especially applies to metalloids which are often reclassified. Metals are generally shiny and have high melting points. They are ductile malleable and good conductors of heat and electricity. They are further subdivided for other properties including their reactivity and methods of bonding.
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Alkali metals are in the first group and are not naturally found in isolation due to their highly reactive nature.
Alkaline earth atoms are positively charged, divalent (2 valence electrons) and are highly reactive.
Transition metals can have valence electrons that are not in the outer shell. This includes most common metals.
Basic metals are very quick to oxidise. They do not include Iron or any precious metals. All are good conductors.
Metalloids are atoms that have some features of metals and some of non metals.
Non metals all are poor conductors of electricity and heat. Dull in appearance and brittle in their solid form.
Halogens are all toxic non metals. They are brittle in solid form and they form diatomic bonds requiring at least two of the halogens atoms. They are poor conductors of electricity and heat & give off coloured vapours.
Noble gases have a complete outer shell and as such are very unreactive and are mostly inert. Argon is used in lighting to protect filaments from burning out & Neon glows when electricity is passed through it.
Actinides are all radioactive and the Lanthanides are mostly not. They are distinguished by their differing methods of filling shells with electrons. Actinides fill their 5th level where actinides fill their 4th.
