Elements and the Periodic Table

Each cell in the periodic table gives information about one element, including the element's name, the symbol that represents its name, the atomic number, atomic mass, and sometimes other information about the element. The periodic table is a chart of the known elements, organized by their atomic number and their physical and chemical properties. How many elements does the periodic table have?

• a. 118

• b. 300

Each type of element is an atom that has a unique number of neutrons and protons. For example, carbon (C) has 6 protons in its nucleus and Iron (Fe) has 26 protons in its nucleus. How are atoms identified?

• a. atomic element

• b. atomic number

The columns of the periodic table are numbered across from 1 to 18. What is each column of the periodic table called?

The rows of the periodic table are numbered down from 1 to 7. What is each row of the periodic table called?

• a. a group or family

• b. a period

What is the atomic mass of nitrogen?

• a. 14.007

• b. 6.04

What is the mass number?

• a. a whole number equal to the number of protons plus the number of neutrons

• b. a whole number equal to the number of neutrons

The positions of the atomic number and atomic mass may vary from one periodic table to another. Which number is usually the atomic number?

• a. the smaller number

• b. the larger number

What is the chemical name of C?

• a. calcium

• b. carbon

What is the atomic number of C?

• a. 6

• b. 8

What is the atomic mass of C?

• a. 18.02

• b. 12.01