Many different types of atoms are called elements. Each element has a unique set of physical and chemical properties. Elements are a type of matter that can not be broken down into a simpler substance by chemical reaction. Some familiar elements are oxygen, carbon, sodium, gold, and hydrogen.
Elements are identified by the number of protons in their nucleus, known as the atomic number ( Z ). An element's atomic number ( Z ) also indicates the same number of electrons in the neutral atom.
For Example :
Hydrogen Helium
Z = 1 Z = 2
Proton - 1 Proton - 2
Electron - 1 Electron - 2
(Remember atoms have an equal number of protons and electrons.)
All elements are organized according to their atomic number in the periodic table. In the periodic table, the order of an element's atomic number increases from left to right and top to bottom. Elements are further organized as columns based on their properties. Elements in the same column have similar physical and chemical properties. Many elements are represented by their English names and chemical symbols.
Example:
Hydrogen - H
Helium - He
Some elements are represented by their Latin names and chemical symbols.
Example:
Mercury - chemical symbol Hg. It comes from the Latin name of Hydrargyrum.
Lead - chemical symbol Pb. It comes from the Latin name of Plumbum.
In the periodic table, the boxes of each element will always contain atomic number, chemical symbol, name, and atomic mass.
Explanation:
At the top of the box Hydrogen atomic number is 1. Below that Hydrogen chemical symbol H followed by its name Hydrogen. The bottom number is the Atomic mass. Hydrogen atomic mass 1.008