MCQ Detailed View

The modern periodic table is a systematic arrangement of all known chemical elements based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. Currently, there are 118 recognized elements in the modern periodic table, ranging from Hydrogen (atomic number 1) to Oganesson (atomic number 118).

Each element is uniquely identified by its atomic number, which represents the number of protons in its nucleus. The modern periodic table organizes elements into rows called periods and columns called groups, grouping together elements with similar chemical and physical properties. For example, alkali metals are in Group 1, and noble gases are in Group 18.

The modern periodic table was developed over many years. Dmitri Mendeleev first arranged elements by atomic mass and predicted missing elements. Later, scientists refined the table using atomic numbers, leading to the modern version we use today. The table not only lists the elements but also provides important information like atomic mass, valence electrons, and reactivity trends.

It is important to note that the total number of elements is 118, including both naturally occurring and artificially synthesized elements. Elements beyond Uranium (atomic number 92) are mostly synthetic and created in laboratories.

Understanding the number of elements is fundamental in chemistry education, as it lays the foundation for learning chemical reactions, bonding, periodic trends, and material properties. The modern periodic table is a vital tool for scientists, students, and researchers worldwide, offering a clear, organized framework to study the building blocks of matter.