鶹Լ

Groups and periods

All the different are arranged in the periodic table.

Here are the main features of the table:

  • the horizontal rows are called periods
  • the vertical columns are called groups
  • elements in the same group are similar to each other
  • the metals are on the left and the non-metals are on the right
  • the main groups are numbered from 1 to 7 going from left to right, and the last group on the right is Group 0
  • the block in between Group 2 and Group 3 is where the transition metals are placed
  • there are only two elements in Period 1 (hydrogen and helium)
Periodic table with a line dividing metals on the left and non-metals on the right.

The zig-zag line in this diagram separates the metals, on the left, from the non-metals, on the right. Hydrogen is a non-metal but it is often put in the middle.

Most elements are metals, rather than non-metals.

Each element has its own chemical symbol, made from letters. Only elements are found in the periodic table, never . For example, substances like water and copper sulfate are not in the periodic table because they are compounds.