Detailed Guide to Read the Periodic Table in English

Element Name & Pronunciation

Symbol

Atomic #

Description

Usage Example

Hydrogen

/ˈhaɪdrədʒən/

H

1

Lightest element, highly flammable gas

"Hydrogen fuel cells power some modern vehicles."

Helium

/ˈhiːliəm/

He

2

Noble gas, lighter than air

"Helium balloons float because helium is less dense than air."

Lithium

/ˈlɪθiəm/

Li

3

Soft, silvery metal used in batteries

"Lithium-ion batteries power most smartphones today."

Beryllium

/bəˈrɪliəm/

Be

4

Hard, lightweight metal

"Beryllium alloys are used in aerospace applications."

Boron

/ˈbɔːrɒn/

B

5

Metalloid used in glass and ceramics

"Boron compounds strengthen glass cookware."

Carbon

/ˈkɑːrbən/

C

6

Essential element for all life forms

"Carbon dioxide levels affect global climate patterns."

Nitrogen

/ˈnaɪtrədʒən/

N

7

Colorless gas making up 78% of air

"Nitrogen fertilizers help crops grow faster."

Oxygen

/ˈɒksɪdʒən/

O

8

Essential gas for breathing and combustion

"Oxygen masks deploy during aircraft emergencies."

Fluorine

/ˈflʊəriːn/

F

9

Highly reactive gas used in toothpaste

"Fluorine compounds prevent tooth decay effectively."

Neon

/ˈniːɒn/

Ne

10

Noble gas used in bright signs

"Neon lights create colorful advertising displays."

Sodium

/ˈsoʊdiəm/

Na

11

Soft metal, highly reactive with water

"Sodium chloride is common table salt."

Magnesium

/mæɡˈniːziəm/

Mg

12

Light metal used in alloys

"Magnesium supplements support bone health."

Aluminum

/əˈluːmɪnəm/

Al

13

Lightweight metal resistant to corrosion

"Aluminum cans are easily recyclable."

Silicon

/ˈsɪlɪkən/

Si

14

Metalloid used in computer chips

"Silicon Valley got its name from semiconductor manufacturing."

Phosphorus

/ˈfɒsfərəs/

P

15

Essential element for bones and DNA

"Phosphorus matches ignite through friction."

Sulfur

/ˈsʌlfər/

S

16

Yellow element with distinctive odor

"Sulfur springs produce a characteristic rotten egg smell."

Chlorine

/ˈklɔːriːn/

Cl

17

Green gas used for water purification

"Chlorine kills bacteria in swimming pools."

Argon

/ˈɑːrɡɒn/

Ar

18

Noble gas used in light bulbs

"Argon prevents tungsten filaments from oxidizing."

Potassium

/pəˈtæsiəm/

K

19

Soft metal essential for body functions

"Potassium-rich bananas support muscle function."

Calcium

/ˈkælsiəm/

Ca

20

Metal essential for bones and teeth

"Calcium supplements strengthen skeletal structure."

Scandium

/ˈskændiəm/

Sc

21

Rare earth metal

"Scandium alloys improve aircraft performance."

Titanium

/taɪˈteɪniəm/

Ti

22

Strong, corrosion-resistant metal

"Titanium implants are biocompatible with human tissue."

Vanadium

/vəˈneɪdiəm/

V

23

Hard metal used in steel alloys

"Vanadium steel maintains strength at high temperatures."

Chromium

/ˈkroʊmiəm/

Cr

24

Shiny metal used for plating

"Chromium plating prevents rust on car bumpers."

Manganese

/ˈmæŋɡəniːz/

Mn

25

Metal essential for steel production

"Manganese removes impurities from molten steel."

Iron

/ˈaɪərn/

Fe

26

Most common metal in Earth's core

"Iron deficiency causes anemia in many people."

Cobalt

/ˈkoʊbɔːlt/

Co

27

Blue metal used in magnets

"Cobalt compounds create brilliant blue pigments."

Nickel

/ˈnɪkəl/

Ni

28

Corrosion-resistant metal

"Nickel allergies cause skin reactions in some people."

Copper

/ˈkɒpər/

Cu

29

Reddish metal excellent for conducting electricity

"Copper wiring carries electricity throughout buildings."

Zinc

/zɪŋk/

Zn

30

Metal used for galvanizing steel

"Zinc oxide provides sun protection in sunscreen."

Gallium

/ˈɡæliəm/

Ga

31

Metal that melts at body temperature

"Gallium arsenide semiconductors power LED lights."

Germanium

/dʒərˈmeɪniəm/

Ge

32

Metalloid used in electronics

"Germanium transistors revolutionized early computers."

Arsenic

/ˈɑːrsənɪk/

As

33

Poisonous metalloid

"Arsenic contamination makes water unsafe to drink."

Selenium

/sɪˈliːniəm/

Se

34

Metalloid with photoconductivity properties

"Selenium supplements support thyroid function."

Bromine

/ˈbroʊmiːn/

Br

35

Red-brown liquid at room temperature

"Bromine compounds act as flame retardants."

Krypton

/ˈkrɪptɒn/

Kr

36

Noble gas used in high-performance bulbs

"Krypton gas fills energy-efficient fluorescent tubes."

Rubidium

/ruˈbɪdiəm/

Rb

37

Soft, highly reactive metal

"Rubidium atomic clocks provide precise time measurements."

Strontium

/ˈstrɒntiəm/

Sr

38

Metal that burns with red flame

"Strontium compounds create red colors in fireworks."

Yttrium

/ˈɪtriəm/

Y

39

Rare earth metal

"Yttrium improves the strength of aluminum alloys."

Zirconium

/zərˈkoʊniəm/

Zr

40

Corrosion-resistant metal

"Zirconium cladding protects nuclear fuel rods."

Niobium

/naɪˈoʊbiəm/

Nb

41

Superconducting metal

"Niobium superconductors are used in MRI machines."

Molybdenum

/məˈlɪbdənəm/

Mo

42

Hard metal used in steel alloys

"Molybdenum steel withstands extreme temperatures."

Technetium

/tɛkˈniːʃiəm/

Tc

43

First artificially produced element

"Technetium isotopes are used in medical imaging."

Ruthenium

/ruˈθiːniəm/

Ru

44

Rare metal used in electronics

"Ruthenium catalysts improve chemical reactions."

Rhodium

/ˈroʊdiəm/

Rh

45

Precious metal used in catalysts

"Rhodium reduces harmful emissions in car exhausts."

Palladium

/pəˈleɪdiəm/

Pd

46

Precious metal used in jewelry

"Palladium jewelry offers hypoallergenic properties."

Silver

/ˈsɪlvər/

Ag

47

Precious metal with highest electrical conductivity

"Silver jewelry requires regular polishing to prevent tarnishing."

Cadmium

/ˈkædmiəm/

Cd

48

Toxic metal used in batteries

"Cadmium batteries are being phased out due to toxicity."

Indium

/ˈɪndiəm/

In

49

Soft metal used in touchscreens

"Indium tin oxide makes smartphone screens conductive."

Tin

/tɪn/

Sn

50

Metal used in alloys and coating

"Tin cans preserve food for extended periods."

Antimony

/ˈæntɪmoʊni/

Sb

51

Metalloid used in flame retardants

"Antimony compounds reduce fire risk in textiles."

Tellurium

/tɛˈlʊriəm/

Te

52

Rare metalloid used in alloys

"Tellurium improves the machinability of steel."

Iodine

/ˈaɪədiːn/

I

53

Purple solid used as disinfectant

"Iodine solution prevents infection in wounds."

Xenon

/ˈziːnɒn/

Xe

54

Noble gas used in flash photography

"Xenon headlights provide brighter illumination than halogen."

Cesium

/ˈsiːziəm/

Cs

55

Highly reactive alkali metal

"Cesium atomic clocks define the international second."

Barium

/ˈbɛriəm/

Ba

56

Metal used in medical imaging

"Barium sulfate helps visualize digestive tract in X-rays."

Lanthanum

/ˈlænθənəm/

La

57

First lanthanide element

"Lanthanum compounds are used in camera lenses."

Cerium

/ˈsɪriəm/

Ce

58

Most abundant rare earth element

"Cerium oxide polishes glass and optical surfaces."

Praseodymium

/ˌpreɪzioʊˈdɪmiəm/

Pr

59

Rare earth metal with magnetic properties

"Praseodymium creates strong permanent magnets."

Neodymium

/ˌniːoʊˈdɪmiəm/

Nd

60

Magnetic rare earth element

"Neodymium magnets power computer hard drives."

Promethium

/prəˈmiːθiəm/

Pm

61

Radioactive rare earth element

"Promethium powers some nuclear batteries."

Samarium

/səˈmɛriəm/

Sm

62

Rare earth element used in magnets

"Samarium-cobalt magnets work at high temperatures."

Europium

/jʊˈroʊpiəm/

Eu

63

Rare earth element used in phosphors

"Europium creates red phosphors in television screens."

Gadolinium

/ˌɡædəˈlɪniəm/

Gd

64

Magnetic rare earth element

"Gadolinium contrast agents enhance MRI images."

Terbium

/ˈtɜːrbiəm/

Tb

65

Rare earth element used in green phosphors

"Terbium creates green light in compact fluorescent bulbs."

Dysprosium

/dɪsˈproʊziəm/

Dy

66

Magnetic rare earth element

"Dysprosium improves high-temperature magnet performance."

Holmium

/ˈhoʊlmiəm/

Ho

67

Rare earth element with strongest magnetic moment

"Holmium creates the strongest artificial magnetic fields."

Erbium

/ˈɜːrbiəm/

Er

68

Rare earth element used in fiber optics

"Erbium amplifies optical signals in telecommunications."

Thulium

/ˈθuːliəm/

Tm

69

Rarest stable rare earth element

"Thulium sources power portable X-ray machines."

Ytterbium

/ɪˈtɜːrbiəm/

Yb

70

Soft, malleable rare earth metal

"Ytterbium atomic clocks achieve unprecedented precision."

Lutetium

/luˈtiːʃiəm/

Lu

71

Last lanthanide element

"Lutetium is used in medical imaging technologies."

Hafnium

/ˈhæfniəm/

Hf

72

Corrosion-resistant transition metal

"Hafnium control rods regulate nuclear reactors."

Tantalum

/ˈtæntələm/

Ta

73

Highly corrosion-resistant metal

"Tantalum capacitors are used in electronic devices."

Tungsten

/ˈtʌŋstən/

W

74

Metal with highest melting point

"Tungsten filaments glow in incandescent light bulbs."

Rhenium

/ˈriːniəm/

Re

75

One of the rarest metals on Earth

"Rhenium alloys improve jet engine performance."

Osmium

/ˈɒzmiəm/

Os

76

Densest naturally occurring element

"Osmium tips fountain pen nibs for durability."

Iridium

/ɪˈrɪdiəm/

Ir

77

Extremely corrosion-resistant metal

"Iridium sparked the asteroid impact theory for dinosaur extinction."

Platinum

/ˈplætɪnəm/

Pt

78

Precious metal used in catalysts

"Platinum jewelry maintains its luster without tarnishing."

Gold

/ɡoʊld/

Au

79

Precious metal resistant to corrosion

"Gold reserves back many national currencies worldwide."

Mercury

/ˈmɜːrkjʊri/

Hg

80

Liquid metal at room temperature

"Mercury thermometers are being phased out due to toxicity."

Thallium

/ˈθæliəm/

Tl

81

Toxic metal formerly used in rat poison

"Thallium compounds are highly poisonous to humans."

Lead

/lɛd/

Pb

82

Dense, soft metal

"Lead pipes in old buildings pose health risks."

Bismuth

/ˈbɪzməθ/

Bi

83

Brittle metal with low toxicity

"Bismuth subsalicylate treats stomach upset symptoms."

Polonium

/pəˈloʊniəm/

Po

84

Highly radioactive metalloid

"Polonium was discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie."

Astatine

/ˈæstətiːn/

At

85

Rarest naturally occurring halogen

"Astatine exists in only trace amounts in nature."

Radon

/ˈreɪdɒn/

Rn

86

Radioactive noble gas

"Radon gas accumulation in basements poses health risks."

Francium

/ˈfræŋsiəm/

Fr

87

Most electropositive element

"Francium is extremely rare and highly radioactive."

Radium

/ˈreɪdiəm/

Ra

88

Radioactive alkaline earth metal

"Radium was once used in luminous watch dials."

Actinium

/ækˈtɪniəm/

Ac

89

First actinide element

"Actinium glows blue-white in the dark."

Thorium

/ˈθɔːriəm/

Th

90

Radioactive metal used in nuclear reactors

"Thorium reactors may provide safer nuclear energy."

Protactinium

/ˌproʊtækˈtɪniəm/

Pa

91

Rare radioactive actinide

"Protactinium has no significant commercial applications."

Uranium

/jʊˈreɪniəm/

U

92

Radioactive metal used in nuclear power

"Uranium fuel rods generate electricity in nuclear plants."

Neptunium

/nɛpˈtuːniəm/

Np

93

First transuranium element

"Neptunium was first synthesized artificially in laboratories."

Plutonium

/pluˈtoʊniəm/

Pu

94

Radioactive metal used in nuclear weapons

"Plutonium powers some spacecraft on deep space missions."

Americium

/ˌæməˈrɪsiəm/

Am

95

Radioactive element used in smoke detectors

"Americium-241 ionizes air in household smoke alarms."

Curium

/ˈkjʊriəm/

Cm

96

Radioactive element named after Marie Curie

"Curium isotopes generate heat for spacecraft power."

Berkelium

/ˈbɜːrkliəm/

Bk

97

Synthetic radioactive element

"Berkelium was first produced at UC Berkeley."

Californium

/ˌkælɪˈfɔːrniəm/

Cf

98

Synthetic element used in neutron sources

"Californium-252 starts nuclear reactors safely."

Einsteinium

/aɪnˈstaɪniəm/

Es

99

Synthetic element named after Einstein

"Einsteinium was discovered in hydrogen bomb debris."

Fermium

/ˈfɜːrmiəm/

Fm

100

Synthetic element named after Enrico Fermi

"Fermium has no practical applications outside research."

Mendelevium

/ˌmɛndəˈliːviəm/

Md

101

Synthetic element honoring Mendeleev

"Mendelevium atoms last only minutes before decaying."

Nobelium

/noʊˈbiːliəm/

No

102

Synthetic element named after Alfred Nobel

"Nobelium discovery involved competing research teams."

Lawrencium

/lɔːˈrɛnsiəm/

Lr

103

Last actinide element

"Lawrencium completes the actinide series."

Rutherfordium

/ˌrʌðərˈfɔːrdiəm/

Rf

104

First transactinide element

"Rutherfordium atoms survive for only seconds."

Dubnium

/ˈdʌbniəm/

Db

105

Synthetic superheavy element

"Dubnium was named after the Russian city Dubna."

Seaborgium

/siːˈbɔːrɡiəm/

Sg

106

Synthetic element named after Glenn Seaborg

"Seaborgium honors Nobel Prize winner Glenn Seaborg."

Bohrium

/ˈbɔːriəm/

Bh

107

Synthetic element honoring Niels Bohr

"Bohrium atoms decay within milliseconds of creation."

Hassium

/ˈhæsiəm/

Hs

108

Synthetic element named after Hesse, Germany

"Hassium research continues at GSI laboratory."

Meitnerium

/maɪtˈnɛriəm/

Mt

109

Synthetic element honoring Lise Meitner

"Meitnerium recognizes Lise Meitner's nuclear physics contributions."

Darmstadtium

/dɑrmˈʃtætiəm/

Ds

110

Synthetic element named after Darmstadt, Germany

"Darmstadtium was first created at GSI facility."

Roentgenium

/rɛntˈɡiːniəm/

Rg

111

Synthetic element honoring Wilhelm Röntgen

"Roentgenium honors the discoverer of X-rays."

Copernicium

/koʊpərˈnɪsiəm/

Cn

112

Synthetic element named after Copernicus

"Copernicium celebrates Nicolaus Copernicus's astronomical work."

Nihonium

/nɪˈhoʊniəm/

Nh

113

Synthetic element meaning "Japan"

"Nihonium was first synthesized by Japanese researchers."

Flerovium

/flɛˈroʊviəm/

Fl

114

Synthetic element honoring Flerov Laboratory

"Flerovium atoms might show unusual stability."

Moscovium

/mɒsˈkoʊviəm/

Mc

115

Synthetic element named after Moscow

"Moscovium research advances superheavy element science."

Livermorium

/lɪvərˈmɔːriəm/

Lv

116

Synthetic element named after Livermore Laboratory

"Livermorium honors Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory."

Tennessine

/ˈtɛnəsiːn/

Ts

117

Synthetic halogen named after Tennessee

"Tennessine completes the seventh period of elements."

Oganesson

/oʊɡəˈnɛsən/

Og

118

Heaviest known element, named after Oganessian

"Oganesson represents the current limit of element synthesis."

Term & Pronunciation

Definition

Example Sentence

Element /ˈɛlɪmənt/

A pure substance consisting of atoms with identical atomic numbers

"Oxygen is an element essential for human respiration."

Compound /ˈkɒmpaʊnd/

A substance formed when two or more elements combine chemically

"Water is a compound made from hydrogen and oxygen atoms."

Molecule /ˈmɒlɪkjuːl/

The smallest unit of a compound retaining its chemical properties

"A water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom."

Atom /ˈætəm/

The smallest unit of an element maintaining its chemical identity

"Each carbon atom has six protons in its nucleus."

Ion /ˈaɪən/

An atom or molecule with electric charge due to gained or lost electrons

"Sodium ions carry positive charges in salt solutions."

Atomic Number /əˈtɒmɪk ˈnʌmbər/

The number of protons in an atom's nucleus

"Carbon's atomic number is six, indicating six protons per atom."

Atomic Mass /əˈtɒmɪk mæs/

Average mass of an element's atoms in atomic mass units

"Iron's atomic mass is approximately 56 atomic mass units."

Chemical Symbol /ˈkɛmɪkəl ˈsɪmbəl/

Shortened notation representing an element

"The chemical symbol for gold is Au, derived from Latin aurum."

Reactivity /riːækˈtɪvɪti/

An element's tendency to undergo chemical reactions

"Alkali metals show high reactivity with water."

Valence /ˈveɪləns/

The combining capacity of an element in chemical reactions

"Oxygen typically shows a valence of two in most compounds."

Isotope /ˈaɪsətoʊp/

Atoms of the same element with different neutron numbers

"Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope used in archaeological dating."

Periodic Law /ˌpɪriˈɒdɪk lɔː/

Principle that element properties repeat periodically with atomic number

"The periodic law explains why elements in same groups share properties."

Metalloid /ˈmɛtəlɔɪd/

Element with properties between metals and nonmetals

"Silicon is a metalloid essential for semiconductor technology."

Noble Gas /ˈnoʊbəl ɡæs/

Chemically inert gas in Group 18

"Noble gases rarely form chemical compounds under normal conditions."

Alkali Metal /ˈælkəlaɪ ˈmɛtəl/

Highly reactive metal in Group 1

"Alkali metals must be stored under oil to prevent reactions."

Halogen /ˈhæləʤən/

Reactive nonmetal in Group 17

"Halogens form salts when combined with metals."

Transition Metal /trænˈzɪʃən ˈmɛtəl/

Metal in Groups 3-12 with variable oxidation states

"Transition metals often form colorful compounds."

Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/

Substance that speeds chemical reactions without being consumed

"Platinum serves as a catalyst in automotive exhaust systems."

Oxidation /ˌɒksɪˈdeɪʃən/

Process of losing electrons or gaining oxygen

"Iron oxidation produces rust when exposed to moisture."

Reduction /rɪˈdʌkʃən/

Process of gaining electrons or losing oxygen

"Metal reduction separates pure metals from their ores."

Electronegativity /ɪˌlɛktroʊnɛɡəˈtɪvɪti/

Ability of an atom to attract electrons in bonds

"Fluorine has the highest electronegativity of all elements."

Atomic Radius /əˈtɒmɪk ˈreɪdiəs/

Distance from nucleus to outermost electron shell

"Atomic radius decreases across periods from left to right."

Ionization Energy /ˌaɪənaɪˈzeɪʃən ˈɛnərʤi/

Energy required to remove an electron from an atom

"Noble gases have high ionization energies due to stable configurations."

Lanthanide /ˈlænθənaɪd/

Rare earth element from atomic numbers 57-71

"Lanthanide elements have similar chemical properties."

Actinide /ˈæktɪnaɪd/

Radioactive element from atomic numbers 89-103

"Actinide elements are all radioactive and mostly synthetic."

Superconductor /ˌsuːpərkənˈdʌktər/

Material with zero electrical resistance at low temperatures

"Niobium superconductors enable powerful MRI machines."