How to Remember All 118 Elements Easily for Exams
The concept of 118 Elements and Their Symbols and Atomic Numbers is essential in chemistry and helps students understand the classification, properties, and practical uses of every chemical element we know today. This guide provides a comprehensive summary that supports learning, memorization, and exam preparation, making the periodic table accessible to all students.
What is 118 Elements and Their Symbols and Atomic Numbers in Chemistry?
A list of the 118 elements and their symbols and atomic numbers refers to the complete collection of chemical elements ordered by atomic number. Each element has a unique one- or two-letter symbol and a specific atomic number that identifies its position in the periodic table. These details are fundamental for understanding chemistry reactions, equations, and real-life applications. Learning these helps students perform well in boards, NEET, JEE, and Olympiads.
List of 118 Elements: Names, Symbols & Atomic Numbers
The 118 elements in the modern periodic table are listed by atomic number. Each element has a unique symbol. Refer to the table below for the complete list of element names, symbols, and atomic numbers in Chemistry.
| Atomic Number | Symbol | Element Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | H | Hydrogen |
| 2 | He | Helium |
| 3 | Li | Lithium |
| 4 | Be | Beryllium |
| 5 | B | Boron |
| 6 | C | Carbon |
| 7 | N | Nitrogen |
| 8 | O | Oxygen |
| 9 | F | Fluorine |
| 10 | Ne | Neon |
| 11 | Na | Sodium |
| 12 | Mg | Magnesium |
| 13 | Al | Aluminium |
| 14 | Si | Silicon |
| 15 | P | Phosphorus |
| 16 | S | Sulfur |
| 17 | Cl | Chlorine |
| 18 | Ar | Argon |
| 19 | K | Potassium |
| 20 | Ca | Calcium |
| ... | ... | ... |
| 118 | Og | Oganesson |
Element Symbols: In-Depth Look & Latin Origins
Usually, an element's symbol matches its English name, but some symbols come from Latin or Greek roots. For example, Fe is from "Ferrum" (Iron), Na from "Natrium" (Sodium), K from "Kalium" (Potassium), and Au from "Aurum" (Gold). Learn these origins to avoid confusion in exams and practicals.
How Elements Are Arranged: The Modern Periodic Table
The modern periodic table arranges elements by atomic number, group, and period, dividing them into metals, nonmetals, metalloids, and noble gases. Each group shares properties, making memorization and application easier for students. New elements like Nihonium, Moscovium, Tennessine, and Oganesson are continually added as they are discovered and verified.
Popular Mnemonics for Memorizing 118 Elements
Students use mnemonics and memory aids to remember the order and properties of elements. For example, the first 10 elements: "Happy Henry Likes Beer But Can Not Obtain Food Now". Create your own fun phrases or use flashcards for effective learning. For hard symbols (like W for Tungsten or Sn for Tin), study their Latin roots.
Common Misconceptions or Errors
- Mixing up similar element symbols like C (Carbon), Ca (Calcium), and Co (Cobalt).
- Assuming symbol always matches English name—memorize exceptions!
- Forgetting some new elements are synthetic and only made in labs.
- Misinterpreting atomic mass and atomic number.
Uses of Elements in Real Life
Many of the 118 elements have everyday uses: Iron (Fe) in construction and transport, Oxygen (O) in respiration, Sodium (Na) in table salt, Gold (Au) in jewelry and electronics. Synthetic elements often have medical or research uses. Understanding these applications gives chemistry real-world meaning.
Relevance in Competitive Exams
Questions on 118 elements and their symbols and atomic numbers frequently appear in school boards, NEET, JEE, and Olympiads. You may be asked to identify, match, or fill in the element, symbol, or atomic number. Practicing these lists, especially the first 30 and the special symbols, is critical for exams.
Cross-linking with Other Chemistry Concepts
Understanding the periodic table helps connect to other topics like chemical elements, atomic number and mass number, and rules of element classification. Mastering these basics supports learning about IUPAC naming and valency trends.
Lab Tip or Classroom Mnemonic
Remember: For each symbol, the first letter is always capitalized, and the second (if any) is lowercase. Vedantu educators recommend memorizing in blocks—start with the first 20 elements and their symbols for quick confidence.
Try This Yourself
- Write the symbol for element number 26.
- Which element has the symbol 'K'?
- Find a real-world use for Argon and Tellurium.
We explored 118 elements and their symbols and atomic numbers–how they are structured, special cases, real uses, and exam tips. For more step-wise learning, printable charts, and live sessions, visit Vedantu's chemistry pages for students.
Suggested Reads & Internal Links
- Periodic Table
- Chemical Element
- Periodicity of Valence or Oxidation States
- Atomic Number and Mass Number
FAQs on List of 118 Elements: Names, Symbols, and Atomic Numbers
1. What are the 118 elements and their symbols?
The modern periodic table contains 118 elements, each represented by a unique symbol. These symbols are usually one or two letters, often derived from the element's English, Latin, or Greek name. For example, H represents Hydrogen, O represents Oxygen, and Fe represents Iron (from the Latin Ferrum). A complete list of elements, symbols, and atomic numbers is available on this Vedantu page.
2. How can I download a periodic table with atomic numbers?
A downloadable PDF of the periodic table, including element names, symbols, and atomic numbers, is available for download from this Vedantu page. This printable version is ideal for study and revision.
3. What is the shortest way to remember all 118 elements for exams?
Memorizing all 118 elements requires a multi-pronged approach. Strategies include:
- Breaking down the periodic table into smaller, manageable sections (e.g., by group or period).
- Using mnemonics or memory aids to create memorable associations.
- Creating flashcards with element names and symbols.
- Focusing on the most frequently tested elements in your syllabus.
4. What is the 119th element? Does it exist?
As of now, there is no officially confirmed 119th element. Scientists are actively researching and attempting to synthesize elements beyond 118, but a stable, verifiable element 119 has yet to be produced and officially recognized by the IUPAC.
5. Why do some elements have symbols different from their English names?
Many element symbols are derived from their original Latin or Greek names. These names predate modern English scientific terminology. For instance, the symbol for Sodium is Na (from the Latin Natrium), and the symbol for Iron is Fe (from the Latin Ferrum).
6. How are new elements discovered and officially named?
New elements are typically discovered through nuclear reactions in particle accelerators. After synthesis and verification of their properties, the discovery is submitted to the IUPAC for review. The IUPAC then assigns a temporary name based on the atomic number and eventually approves a permanent name proposed by the discoverers, following established guidelines.
7. What makes an element “synthetic,” and which ones are they in the periodic table?
A synthetic element is one that does not occur naturally and is created artificially in a laboratory through nuclear reactions. Most synthetic elements are found towards the end of the periodic table (elements with atomic numbers greater than 94).
8. Why are the last elements (above 104) often not found in nature?
Elements with atomic numbers above 104 are highly unstable and radioactive, with very short half-lives. Their instability means they decay quickly into lighter elements, preventing their natural occurrence in significant quantities on Earth.
9. What is the significance of period and group numbers alongside element lists?
The period number indicates the principal energy level occupied by the element's outermost electrons. The group number reflects the number of valence electrons, which dictates the element's chemical reactivity and properties. Elements in the same group exhibit similar chemical behaviour.
10. How do valency and group relate for the first 30 elements?
For many of the first 30 elements, the group number (except for transition metals) directly relates to the valency (combining capacity). For example, Group 1 elements (alkali metals) have a valency of +1, Group 2 elements (alkaline earth metals) have a valency of +2, and so on.
11. What are some common uses of elements like Sodium (Na), Iron (Fe), and Oxygen (O)?
Sodium (Na) is crucial in table salt (NaCl) and various industrial applications. Iron (Fe) is a fundamental component of steel and many other alloys. Oxygen (O) is essential for respiration and numerous industrial processes, including combustion.
12. What are the IUPAC element naming rules?
The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) establishes naming conventions for elements. These rules ensure consistency and clarity in scientific communication, especially for newly discovered elements. The rules include guidelines for temporary and permanent names, based on factors such as the element’s atomic number, properties, and discoverers' suggestions.
