The periodic table of elements is a very useful tool to know, regardless of whether the date for an exam is approaching or you just want to learn something new. Memorizing all 118 elements can seem quite complex, especially since each is identified with a unique symbol and an atomic number. Thankfully, if you start early, you can learn a few every day. Devices, phrases, and images that help improve memory skills can make studying fun. If you are ready to test your skills, you can try your hand at some games or draw the board completely from memory.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Study the Table
Step 1. Identify the various parts of each element
In general, to learn the periodic table you need to know the name, symbol, atomic number and, sometimes, the atomic weight of the elements. This information is all reported in the box of the table associated with the element itself.
- The name of the element is the word associated with it; usually, it is shown in small print under the symbol. For example, "silver" is the name of an element.
- The symbol is made up of one or two letters that identify the element itself; this is the capital letter you find inside the box. "Ag" is the symbol of silver.
- The atomic number is placed above the symbol and refers to the number of protons present in an atom; the periodic table is ordered numerically according to this value. The atomic number of silver is 47.
- The atomic weight, or relative atomic mass, refers to the average mass of an atom and is the number under the symbol; for example, the atomic weight of silver is 107.868.
Step 2. Learn a few elements a day
Start with the top ten and when you master them well, add that many. Keep reviewing the old elements you have already studied as you try to memorize the new ones. Start working early so you have plenty of time to learn the 118 elements.
The atomic numbers of the first ten elements range from 1 to 10
Step 3. Print a copy of the periodic table
By doing so, you can always carry it with you. More than one copy is worth printing; keep one on your desk, one in your backpack or purse, and one somewhere else you go.
You can also download the digital version on your mobile or tablet; however, it is not easy to consult while you are in school or at work
Step 4. Prepare a flashcard for each element
Write the symbol and the atomic number on one side of the card (for example Ag, S or Cu) and on the other side indicate the full name of the element (such as silver, sulfur or copper). Use these tiles to test your knowledge.
If you also need to know which group each atom belongs to, you can add this information on the flashcards; for example, you can write "Ne" on one side of the card and "Neon, noble gas" on the other
Step 5. Divide the board into smaller sections
You can follow an order by rows, columns, atomic weight or simply from the simplest element to remember to the most complicated. Find a criterion that stands out among the others and use it to segment the table into more manageable portions.
- You could also study one group at a time, such as halogens, noble gases, or alkaline earth metals. The groups are organized vertically thanks to the numbers from 1 to 14 which are shown on the upper part of the table.
- The colored portions are called blocks and help to remember the position of the various elements; for example, block "f" contains the central portion of the table.
- The horizontal lines are called periods and are numbered from 1 to 7.
Step 6. Test yourself during breaks and free time
Instead of studying everything at the last minute for several hours, try to review the board whenever you get the chance. You can do this while on the bus, during your lunch break or when you are queuing for something. You can:
- Review your notes during breakfast;
- Peek at the periodic table during the commercial break when watching television
- Hum the items in order while running or exercising;
- Write the items down while you wait for dinner to be cooked.
Method 2 of 3: Using Memory Devices
Step 1. Write a sentence that will help you remember each element
It can be a short slogan, a story or a fact related to the symbol or the sound of the element. These should be short sentences that allow you to remember both the name and the symbol.
- For example, the state of Argentina owes its name to the fact that the Spaniards who landed there believed it was a land rich in silver.
- Sometimes you may find associations of funny ideas; for example, remember that arsenic (As) is one of the most used poisons in books on TOgatha Chri stie.
- Darmstadtium has Ds as a symbol, just like "Nintendo DS"; if you are passionate about these video games, you can take advantage of this mnemonic connection.
Step 2. Compose a word or phrase with the letters of an element
Use those of the symbol to create a sentence to help you remember it. You can also form a sequence of elements to memorize their order.
- The sentence does not need to make sense, the important thing is that it stimulates your memory; for example, you can use "Le zebre ecessitano zinc "to remind you that the symbol of this element is Zn.
- To remember the order of the elements, create a sequence of symbols that define a word; for instance: " F.hederic C.avalca Brutus THEninterrottamente "to remember in order the group of halogens: fthey, cthey, bromo, thehate.
Step 3. Associate each element with an image
Visualization helps you remember the element and its symbol faster than simply memorizing the letters. Assign a photo to each atom, making sure it makes sense to you.
- Take advantage of the images you have associated; for example, you can use tinfoil for aluminum and a balloon for helium.
- You can also use a sound association criterion, such as a pirate with Argon (Ar).
Step 4. Memorize a song
You can compose a song that contains all the elements or find one on the internet. Look for an updated version, as elements are always added to the periodic table.
- You can do some research online to find songs and nursery rhymes.
- One famous song is "The Elements" by Tom Lehrer, but it is in English; you can find a song in Italian on YouTube.
Method 3 of 3: Test Your Memory
Step 1. Complete a blank diagram of the board relying only on memory
Once studied for several days, it finds an "empty" board online. Try to arrange the various elements in the right place, relying only on memory; at the end, compare the result with a real table to understand how many correct answers you have given.
Step 2. Download applications to your mobile
There are several software that help to study the elements, symbols, numbers and atomic weights; you can download them to your smartphone or tablet. Here are some good applications:
- Periodic table;
- NOVA Elements (in English);
- Periodic table quiz;
- The Elements (in English).
Step 3. Play online to remember the items
There are several websites that offer online games that involve inserting as many elements as possible into an empty diagram or combining each with its own symbol. These quizzes test your memory and improve your score before an important exam. Here are some suggestions:
- Online chemistry;
- Practical chemistry;
- Periodni.
Advice
- The sooner you start studying, the better you can memorize the periodic table of elements.
- You can use a deferred repetition program to learn the elements by heart.
- Remember that the first letter of the symbol is uppercase and that the next or subsequent letters are lowercase.
