Link to Information on the Periodic Table and the Chemical Elements
Some of the helpful information to know about the periodic table of elements or atoms:
Elements are arranged by atomic number (number of electrons or protons); hydrogen 1, helium 2.
In general the elements on the left side of the table will naturally combine through electrical charges to the elements on the right side of the table to form familiar compounds; two hydrogens (H) with oxygen to form water; Sodium (Na) with chlorine (Cl) to form salt.
Compound molecules exist as either a gas, liquid or solid depending upon temperature, pressure and volume; in the case of water as either vapor, liquid or ice. Water being our most abundant molecule is used for a temperature reference; 0 degrees Celsius for freezing and 100 degrees Celsius for boiling at sea level pressure and open volume.
Hydrogen (H) and helium (He) are the basic elements or atoms having formed at the creation of the universe according to big bang cosmology when the universe cooled down to the point where atoms could form; 80% hydrogen/20% helium. Hydrogen collapse under gravity (general relativity) to form the first generation stars in the universe. Stars convert hydrogen into helium and a few heavier elements when their mass reaches a critical state where fusion occurs and they begin to shine or burn.
When hydrogen is depleted in stars they begin to burn the heavier elements and begin a death cycle. For large massive stars, the death cycle includes a super nova one of the brightest explosions in the universe. Its in these super nova that most of the heavier elements that compose the periodic table are created.
Carbon (C) is the one element that is capable of tying the other elements in the form of molecules together in long complex forms to create life. No other element has been found to be able to do this in the laboratory. Silicon and barium have been tried but no success has ever been achieved.
Chlorine (Cl) atomic #17, a gas dangerous to life is found among many of the common earthly elements; silicon, potassium, argon..etc. It is found only in small quantities on Earth.
