Periodic Table for Kids

Metals || Metalloids || Non Metals

How to Read the Periodic Table for Kids

• The top number for each element is its atomic number. This is the number of protons in each atom of that element.
• The one-letter or two-letter symbol in each tile is the element symbol. The symbol is an abbreviation for the full element name. Element symbols make it much easier for chemists to write chemical formulas and equations.
• The bottom number in each element tile is the atomic weight or atomic mass. This value is the average mass of atoms of that element that occur naturally.

The periodic table arranges the chemical elements into a pattern so that you can predict the properties of elements based on where they are located on the table. Elements are arranged from left to right and from top to bottom in order of increasing atomic number or number of protons in the element.

Periods and Groups on the Periodic Table

Rows of elements are called periods. The period number of an element signifies the highest unexcited energy level for an electron in that element. The number of elements in a period increases as you move down the periodic table because there are more sublevels per level as the energy level of the atom increases.

Columns of elements help define element groups. Elements within a group share several common properties.

Metals, Metalloids, and Nonmetals

Elements fall into one of three main categories: metals, metalloids, and nonmetals.

Most of the elements of the periodic table are metals. These elements occur on the left side of the periodic table. Because there are so many metals, they are further divided into alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, basic metals, lanthanides (rare earths), and actinides. In general, metals are:

• usually solid at room temperature (except mercury)
• metallic-looking
• hard
• shiny
• good conductors of heat and electricity

On the right side of the periodic table are the nonmetals. The nonmetals are divided into nonmetals, halogens, and noble gases. In general, nonmetals are:

• often form brittle solids
• lacking in metallic luster
• poor conductors of heat and electricity

Elements with properties intermediate between those of metals and nonmetals are called metalloids or semimetals. Metalloids:

• have some properties of metals and some of nonmetals
• act as either metals or nonmetals in reactions, depending on what they are reacting with
• typically make good semiconductors