Chapter 2 - The Periodic Table of the Elements

Abstract

This chapter covers the names and symbols of the elements. The basic structure of the atom is reviewed including an explanation of isotopes. A discussion of the shell model of the atom describes electronic shells, subshells, their quantum numbers, orbital shapes, electron filling order, and the determination of the complete electron configuration of the elements. The development of the Periodic Table of the Elements and Periodic Law is described from a historical point of view followed by a general description of the modern periodic table. As valence electrons control the chemistry of the elements, particular emphasis is given to the use of the periodic table to predict the valence electron configurations and so to predict the chemical properties of the elements. The periodic trends in atomic radius, ionization energy, electron affinity, electronegativity, and metallic properties are described and explained according to the position of the elements in the periodic table.