The periodic table is an important summary of a large body of chemical information.Knowledge of how to use the periodic table will help you to learn chemistry.

Periods - rows:These are numbered from 1-6, H and He being in Period 1

Groups - columns: These are numbered from 1 - 18 from left to right.

Group 1Alkali MetalsLi, Na, K, Rb andCs
Group 2 Alkaline EarthsBe, Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba
Group 17HalogensF, Cl, Br and I
Group 18Noble GasesHe, Ne Ar, Kr and Xe

Some groups have special names:

Dr Sheila Woodgate
© The University of Auckland 2002