3.1 Atoms and elements

Question 1

What are atoms?

Answer 1

Atoms are the smallest particles that we cannot break down by chemical means. They are mostly empty space. Each consist of a nucleus and a cloud of particles called electrons.

Question 2

What is an element?

Answer 2

An element contains only one type of atom.

Question 3

What does the periodic table tell you?

Answer 3

Gives the names and symbols of elements
The columns and rows give us clues

Question 4

What are the rows called?

Answer 4

The rows are called periods

Question 4

Same column

Answer 4

The elements in the same column form families or groups with similar properties.