What Is the Periodic Table?
The periodic table of elements is a tabular arrangement of all known chemical elements, organized by atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. First published by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869, it is one of the most important tools in chemistry and science education. This interactive version displays all 118 confirmed elements with color coding by category.
How to Use This Periodic Table
Click on any element to view its details, including atomic number, symbol, name, atomic mass, and category. Elements are color-coded by their chemical category. Hover over elements to highlight them. The lanthanide and actinide series are shown in separate rows below the main table, following the standard layout convention.
Element Categories
Elements are classified into categories based on their chemical and physical properties: alkali metals are highly reactive, noble gases are chemically inert, transition metals include many common metals like iron and copper, and halogens are reactive nonmetals. Understanding these categories helps predict how elements will behave in chemical reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many elements are in the periodic table?
The periodic table contains 118 confirmed elements, from Hydrogen (atomic number 1) to Oganesson (atomic number 118).
What do the colors mean?
Each color represents an element category: alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids, nonmetals, halogens, noble gases, lanthanides, and actinides.