Elements of the Periodic Table

Elements are the basic building blocks of matter, each made of a single type of atom with a unique number of protons called the atomic number. The periodic table organizes these elements in rows and columns based on similar properties and behaviors. Elements are categorized as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids, influencing their appearance and reactivity. They range from common gases like oxygen to metals like iron and precious metals like gold. The table helps scientists understand the relationships between elements, predict their reactions, and discover new ones, forming the foundation for chemistry and material science.