How to Use the Periodic Table for Quick Exam Revision and Element Lookup
The concept of the Periodic Table is essential in mathematics and science, helping students solve exam questions efficiently and understand the classification of chemical elements.
Understanding the Periodic Table
A Periodic Table is a systematic arrangement of all known chemical elements, organized by increasing atomic number. This table displays each element's symbol, atomic number, and properties. The periodic table forms the basis of studying element trends, group characteristics, and predicting chemical behaviors. It is especially important in concepts such as atomic numbers, periodic trends, classification, element groups, and periods.
Structure of the Periodic Table of Elements
The Periodic Table consists of horizontal rows called periods and vertical columns known as groups. Elements are listed in order of increasing atomic number from left to right and top to bottom. Each group contains elements with similar valence electron configurations, while each period shows an increase in atomic number and properties down the table.
Here’s a helpful table showing the first 20 elements in the Periodic Table:
Periodic Table Elements 1–20
| 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 |
This table helps you quickly find element symbols and names for board, JEE, or NEET revision. Keep it handy for formula calculations and property predictions.
How to Use the Periodic Table for Problems
The Periodic Table can be used to:
- Identify elements by symbol, name, or atomic number (e.g., find chlorine or potassium).
- Predict physical and chemical properties based on group/period.
- Determine atomic masses, valency, and common ion charges.
- Classify elements—metals, metalloids, and non-metals.
- Locate the first 20 or first 30 elements for quick math or science recall.
Many exam questions—for example, “Which element is between chlorine and potassium?”, or “What do the group 18 elements have in common?”—can be solved fast using your periodic table.
Worked Example – Finding an Element
Suppose you are asked: What is the atomic number and symbol of Potassium?
Step 2. Potassium is the 19th element.
Step 3. Its symbol is K and atomic number is 19.
For chlorine: find atomic number 17, symbol Cl.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing atomic number with atomic mass.
- Mixing up element symbols (e.g., K is potassium, NOT calcium).
- Using outdated tables (new elements up to 118 are now included in the modern periodic table).
Real-World Applications
The Periodic Table not only helps in competitive exams or school tests but is also used in chemistry labs, industry, and even smart technology. Knowing the periodic table enables you to select suitable materials or predict behaviors of elements. Vedantu’s study guides use the periodic table context in chemical calculations, formula derivations, and mathematical questions related to atomic structure.
Practice Problems
- Name the element with atomic number 18. What are its properties?
- Which group do noble gases belong to?
- List all alkali metals from the periodic table.
- Find the element between chlorine and potassium.
- If sodium forms an ion, what is its charge?
Downloadable Periodic Table Resources for Quick Revision
You can download periodic table PDF, mobile-friendly, and color-coded versions for easy revision. Such resources are essential for Class 9, Class 10, and entrance exam preparation. They help you memorize elements, group trends, and periodic properties visually. For a color printable, get a latest NCERT/CBSE aligned copy or download those provided in many Vedantu resources.
Relevant Formulas Involving the Periodic Table
Some basic useful formulas and relationships from the periodic table include:
| Formula Description | General Formula |
|---|---|
| Number of Neutrons | Neutrons = Atomic Mass – Atomic Number |
| Calculating Electron Arrangement | 2n2 rule (where n = energy level) |
| Group Number (for main group elements) | Group = No. of valence electrons |
Understanding these formulas helps with quick chemical calculations in exams.
Interconnections in Maths: Patterns, Numbers, and More
Learning the periodic table supports other maths concepts that involve patterns, sequences, tables, and classification. For more about numbers and patterns, check:
Prime Numbers,
Number System,
Tables 2 to 20, and
Algebraic Expression.
We explored the idea of the Periodic Table, how to use it, avoid mistakes, and apply it in maths and science problems. Practice with Vedantu to master these basics and succeed in your exams and projects.
FAQs on Periodic Table: Elements, Names, and Important Facts
1. What is the periodic table?
The periodic table is a systematic chart that arranges all known chemical elements in order of increasing atomic number, grouping elements with similar chemical properties in the same columns called groups. It helps students understand the properties, symbols, and relationships of elements easily, which is essential for both chemistry and related mathematical problems in exams.
2. How do you use the periodic table to find elements like chlorine or potassium?
To find elements such as chlorine (Cl) or potassium (K), locate them by their atomic number or position within specific groups and periods. Chlorine is in Group 17 and period 3, while potassium is in Group 1 and period 4. Understanding groups helps identify elements with similar valence electrons and chemical behaviour, which aids in solving questions in exams.
3. Where can I download a periodic table PDF?
You can download a periodic table PDF from educational websites offering printable and mobile-friendly versions. These PDFs often include element names, symbols, atomic masses, and are colour-coded by groups to help with easy revision and exam preparation, especially for Class 9 and Class 10 students.
4. What are the names of the first 20 elements?
The first 20 elements in the periodic table by atomic number are: 1. Hydrogen (H), 2. Helium (He), 3. Lithium (Li), 4. Beryllium (Be), 5. Boron (B), 6. Carbon (C), 7. Nitrogen (N), 8. Oxygen (O), 9. Fluorine (F), 10. Neon (Ne), 11. Sodium (Na), 12. Magnesium (Mg), 13. Aluminium (Al), 14. Silicon (Si), 15. Phosphorus (P), 16. Sulfur (S), 17. Chlorine (Cl), 18. Argon (Ar), 19. Potassium (K), 20. Calcium (Ca). Knowing this list is important for quick recall in board and entrance exams.
5. Why is element 119 impossible?
Element 119 is currently not found in the periodic table because it has not yet been discovered or synthesised. It lies beyond the known elements and would belong to a new period with unique properties that scientists are still researching. Hence, it is considered impossible in standard exams and current chemistry syllabi.
6. What does group 18 in the periodic table mean?
Group 18 in the periodic table contains the noble gases, such as Helium (He), Neon (Ne), and Argon (Ar). These elements have a complete valence shell, making them very stable and mostly inert. This group is essential to understand due to its unique chemical properties and its role in various scientific applications.
7. Why do students confuse chlorine with potassium in the periodic table?
Students often confuse chlorine (Cl) and potassium (K) because they are adjacent in the periodic table (chlorine is element 17, potassium is 19) but belong to different groups with contrasting properties. Chlorine is a halogen in Group 17, while potassium is an alkali metal in Group 1. Understanding their group characteristics and valence electrons helps reduce this confusion.
8. Why does the periodic table help in maths as well as chemistry?
The periodic table supports both chemistry and mathematics by providing structured data for calculations, such as atomic masses, valency, and atomic numbers. Its tabular arrangement resembles mathematical tables making it easier to apply concepts like number sequences, patterns, and grouping in problem-solving across disciplines.
9. Why is downloadable color periodic table important for quick mobile revision?
A color-coded periodic table PDF enhances quick revision by visually differentiating element groups and properties, especially on mobile devices. This aids memory retention, reduces downtime in exams, and supports students' understanding of complex concepts in an accessible, easy-to-navigate format.
10. Why can’t element 119 be found on standard periodic tables?
Element 119 is beyond the current limit of the known periodic table and has not been synthesised or observed. Standard periodic tables include only confirmed elements up to 118 (Oganesson). Research into element 119 belongs to advanced nuclear chemistry and is not part of school-level curricula.
11. Why do exam questions focus on groups and periods?
Exam questions target groups and periods because these are fundamental to understanding element properties, trends, and behaviours in the periodic table. Groups share similar valence electron configurations, while periods represent increasing atomic numbers and energy levels, making these concepts vital for solving chemical and related mathematical problems.
