Elements and the Periodic Table
⭐ MasteredAn element is a pure substance made of one kind of atom, like gold, oxygen or carbon. The periodic table organises all the known elements.
Water is not an element; it is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen.
All about Elements and the Periodic Table
An element is a pure substance made of only one kind of atom. Gold, oxygen, carbon and iron are all elements. Scientists have found about 118 elements so far, and about 90 of them occur naturally on Earth.
The periodic table arranges the elements in rows and columns based on their atomic number and properties. Each box shows the element's symbol, such as O for oxygen. Elements in the same column often behave in similar ways.
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Real-life uses of Elements and the Periodic Table
- Identifying metals for jewellery and cooking pots
- Predicting how elements will react with each other
- Finding materials needed to build batteries and phones
Frequently asked questions about Elements and the Periodic Table
How many elements are there?
There are 118 known elements, and the list has grown as scientists have made new heavy elements in labs.
What does the symbol for gold mean?
Au is the symbol for gold. It comes from the Latin word aurum.
What is the difference between an element and a compound?
An element has one type of atom. A compound is made when two or more elements join chemically, like water (H2O).