Elements and the Periodic Table

Science

Elements in Group 1 of the periodic table, like lithium, sodium and potassium

Alkali metal

Elements in Group 1 of the periodic table, like lithium, sodium, and potassium, are alkali metals. Alkali metals are highly reactive elements that have one electron in their outer shell.

The ability of a material to let heat or electricity pass through

Conductivity

The ability of a material to let heat or electricity pass through. Conductivity. Conductivity is how well a material allows heat or electricity to flow through it.

A particle consisting of two atoms

Diatomic molecule

A particle consisting of two atoms. Diatomic molecule. A diatomic molecule is a molecule made up of two atoms bonded together, like oxygen O2 or hydrogen H2.

Elements in the same vertical column of the periodic table

Group

Elements in the same vertical column of the periodic table. Group. In Science, a group is a column of elements in the periodic table that have similar chemical properties.

An element in Group 17 of the periodic table, like chlorine

Halogen

An element in Group 17 of the periodic table, like chlorine. Halogen. Halogens are reactive nonmetals that can form salts when combined with metals.

the way a mineral's surface reflects light

Luster explained in an easy to understand way.

an element that is a good conductor of heat and electricity

Metal explained in an easy to understand way.

An element that shares properties with metals and nonmetals, like a semiconductor

Metalloid

An element that shares properties with metals and nonmetals, like a semiconductor. Metalloid. A metalloid is an element that has characteristics of both metals and nonmetals and can conduct electricity under certain conditions.

An element in Group 18 of the periodic table, like helium, neon and argon

Noble gas

An element in Group 18 of the periodic table, like helium, neon and argon. Noble gas. A noble gas is a chemical element with a full outer shell of electrons, making it very stable and unreactive.

An element that is a poor conductor of heat and electricity

Nonmetal

An element that is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. Nonmetal. In simple terms, a nonmetal is an element that lacks the ability to conduct heat or electricity well.

A horizontal row of elements of the periodic table

Period

A horizontal row of elements of the periodic table. period. In Science, a period is a row in the periodic table where elements have the same number of electron shells.

a chart of all the elements, arranged by their physical and chemical properties

Periodic table explained in an easy to understand way.

The breakdown of an unstable atomic nucleus, this releases particles and energy

Radioactive decay

The breakdown of an unstable atomic nucleus, this releases particles and energy. Radioactive decay. Radioactive decay is the process where an unstable atom releases energy and particles to become more stable.

The ability of an unstable nucleus to emit radiation

Radioactivity

The ability of an unstable nucleus to emit radiation. Radioactivity. It is the process where unstable atoms release energy in the form of particles or rays to become stable.

A material that conducts electricity under certain conditions, it has properties of both metals and nonmetals

Semiconductor

A material that conducts electricity under certain conditions, it has properties of both metals and nonmetals. Semiconductor. A semiconductor is a substance that can control electrical currents, making it crucial for electronic devices like computers and smartphones.

An element in Group 3 to Group 12 of the periodic table, they are all metals

Transition element

An element in Group 3 to Group 12 of the periodic table, they are all metals. Transition element. Transition elements are metals with unique properties like forming colorful compounds due to their ability to use different electron shells for bonding.