The Periodic Table Mind Map
← The Periodic TableHow the periodic table groups elements by properties you can observe, and how to tell metals, nonmetals, and metalloids apart.
- elementA pure substance made of one kind of atom; chemical reactions cannot break it into simpler substances.Copper is an element.
- periodic tableA chart of the elements arranged by increasing atomic number, with recurring patterns in properties.Find carbon on the periodic table.
- groupA column on the periodic table. Elements in the same column have similar properties.Neon and argon are in the same group.
- periodA row across the table of elements, read from left to right.Sodium and chlorine are in the same period.
- metalAn element that is usually shiny, can be bent, and conducts heat and electricity well.Copper is a metal used in wires.
- nonmetalAn element without the typical combination of metallic properties; many conduct electricity poorly, but exceptions exist.Sulfur is a yellow nonmetal.
- metalloidAn element with some traits of both metals and nonmetals, like silicon.Silicon is a metalloid used in computer chips.
- lusterHow a material reflects light, such as shiny, glassy, or dull.Polished silver has a bright luster.
- malleableAble to be hammered or pressed into thin sheets without breaking.Gold is so malleable it can be pounded into thin foil.
- brittleBreaking or shattering easily instead of bending.A lump of sulfur is brittle and crumbles when you tap it.
- conductorA material that allows thermal energy or electric charge to move through it relatively easily; the context tells which property is meant.Aluminum is a good conductor of heat.
- insulatorA material that strongly resists the transfer of thermal energy or the movement of electric charge; the context tells which property is meant.The plastic handle is an insulator, so it stays cool.
- melting pointThe temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid.Iron has a very high melting point.
- boiling pointThe temperature at which a liquid’s vapor pressure matches the surrounding pressure, allowing gas bubbles to form throughout the liquid.The boiling point of pure water is about 100 °C at standard atmospheric pressure.
- solubilityThe greatest amount of a substance that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent under specified conditions, such as temperature.Sugar has a high solubility in hot water.