Understanding the Elements
The elements comprise virtually everything in the universe, from the largest galaxy to the smallest microorganism. If you break down each individual part, cell, or compound, you will end up with an element in its atomic form.
This is the reason why elements are deemed to be of such significant importance to scientific inquiry, because no matter which discipline of science is being studied, elements will inadvertently exert some sort of influence in that field. The periodic table is a useful framework to understand the trends and properties of the various elements in this world.
The elements in the periodic table are arranged into groups and periods, with groups running down the table and periods running across it. Additionally, there are other categories of elements such as the alkali metals, alkali earth metals, transition elements, metals, non-metals, metalloids, halogens, and noble gases. Each group of elements have their own special physical and chemical characteristics, and each category of elements also share common traits.
For example, Group I metals are all silvery-colored metals, soft enough to be able to be cut by a knife, and form an oxide (like rust) when exposed to the oxygen in air. Group I metals will never be found naturally in their element form. They have low melting and boiling points (relative to other metals), low densities, and weak metallic bonding. They also can change the color of flames when they burn.
As you can see, the extent to which the elements are similar is very high, and each group has very strong similarities amongst its members. There are also trends which are followed across periods.
However, it is not enough to simply understand elements in terms of their location in the periodic table.
Although you will be able to understand the generic physical and chemical properties by looking at their groups and periods, it is nevertheless important to note that each individual element in unique and there can be exceptions to the rules, for instance, Hydrogen, Zinc and Silver. Nevertheless, the periodic table is a good framework through which you can start studying the various elements.
