To find an atom on the periodic table, you primarily use its atomic number or its element symbol. The atomic number is a unique identifier for each element and represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Knowing the Atomic Number:
- Every element on the periodic table is arranged in order of increasing atomic number. For example, Hydrogen (H) has an atomic number of 1, Helium (He) has an atomic number of 2, Lithium (Li) has an atomic number of 3, and so on.
- The atomic number is usually displayed prominently within the element's cell on the periodic table. As the reference explains, the "whole number" is the atomic number (e.g., 18 for Argon).
2. Using the Element Symbol:
- Each element has a unique one- or two-letter symbol. For example, Oxygen is represented by "O," Sodium is represented by "Na," and Carbon is represented by "C."
- If you know the element symbol, you can quickly locate the element on the periodic table. The table is organized to easily display the symbol within each element's cell.
3. Understanding the Periodic Table Layout:
- Periods (Rows): The horizontal rows are called periods. Elements in the same period have the same number of electron shells.
- Groups (Columns): The vertical columns are called groups or families. Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons (electrons in the outermost shell).
Example:
Let's say you want to find Argon (Ar).
- You can search for the element with the atomic number 18.
- Or, you can directly look for the element with the symbol "Ar" in the periodic table.
In Summary: Find an element by its atomic number (the identifying whole number) or by its unique element symbol on the periodic table, keeping in mind the table's organized structure of periods and groups.
