2007-03-04 06:38:53 · 5 answers · asked by kat79705 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
A lot.
The higher the atomic number, the heavier the element is (they are sorted left to right, top to bottom by increasing atomic number). The columns on the periodic table tell you the element's valence state, that is, how many free electrons exist in their outermost orbital. The first column are alkali metals, the second column the alkali earth metals, the 3rd-12th are transition metals, the last column are noble gases, the second to last are halogens.
Kind of a basic overview, but yeah....
2007-03-04 06:43:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It tells you the nature of the element's electrons cloud and the orbitals configuration. This will determine the elements properties (such as reactivity, phase, radioactivity, etc.) In short, it tells you how the element behaves.
2007-03-04 14:46:20 · answer #2 · answered by Matthew P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's size, reactivity, charicteristics, properties, number of electons, how they are arranged in orbit around the nucleus.
2007-03-04 14:44:27 · answer #3 · answered by bubbyroller2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a lot of things
2007-03-05 02:52:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
# of electrons in outer shell
2007-03-04 14:41:23 · answer #5 · answered by ivorytowerboy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋