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The periodic table

The periodic table, also known as the periodic table of elements, elegantly arranges the building blocks of the universe. It reveals patterns and relationships that govern the elements and their interactions. Use this resource to explore how this essential tool has transformed our understanding of the natural world, including the history of the periodic table and how to read and understand it.

Overview

  • History of the periodic table – how have people been using the periodic table to categorise elements and predict new atoms? How do elements interact with the known elements? 15 minutes to complete
  • The structure of the periodic table – how is the periodic table organised? 65 minutes to complete
  • Trends in the periodic table – what is the relationship between the position of an atom on the periodic table and its properties? What is the periodic law? 45 minutes to complete
The periodic table of elements