Free sample activity · Grades 6–8
Periodic Table Basics Practice
Use a periodic table to review element identities and the table's basic organization. These questions do not require memorizing atomic masses or predicting every chemical property.
6 questions · No account · No timer · Immediate feedback
Before you begin
How to use this activity
Allow five to ten minutes. Use the linked periodic table, and distinguish atomic number from atomic mass before answering.
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Put it into practice
Choose an answer, read the explanation, then move to the next question. Your answers stay in this page and are not saved.
What does an element's atomic number tell you?
Atomic number counts protons and identifies the element. Isotopes of one element can have different numbers of neutrons.
Which symbol represents oxygen?
O is the symbol for oxygen. Og represents a different element, oganesson; element symbols must be read exactly.
What is a vertical column in the periodic table called?
Groups run vertically. Periods run horizontally.
What is a horizontal row in the periodic table called?
Periods run horizontally across the table. Groups are vertical columns.
Carbon has atomic number 6. How many protons does a carbon atom have?
Its atomic number gives the proton count, so a carbon atom has six protons. Atomic mass is a different quantity.
Which element has the symbol Na?
Na is sodium. Nitrogen is N, and neon is Ne; the full symbol matters.
Practice complete
Choose an element not named in the questions. Record its symbol, atomic number, group, and period, then explain what each label means.
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All questions, answers & explanations
Use this review before or after practice. You can read and print it without JavaScript.
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Atomic number
What does an element's atomic number tell you?
Answer: The number of protons in its atoms
Atomic number counts protons and identifies the element. Isotopes of one element can have different numbers of neutrons.
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Element symbols
Which symbol represents oxygen?
Answer: O
O is the symbol for oxygen. Og represents a different element, oganesson; element symbols must be read exactly.
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Groups
What is a vertical column in the periodic table called?
Answer: A group
Groups run vertically. Periods run horizontally.
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Periods
What is a horizontal row in the periodic table called?
Answer: A period
Periods run horizontally across the table. Groups are vertical columns.
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Reading a number
Carbon has atomic number 6. How many protons does a carbon atom have?
Answer: 6
Its atomic number gives the proton count, so a carbon atom has six protons. Atomic mass is a different quantity.
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Reading a symbol
Which element has the symbol Na?
Answer: Sodium
Na is sodium. Nitrogen is N, and neon is Ne; the full symbol matters.
Take it one step further
Choose an element not named in the questions. Record its symbol, atomic number, group, and period, then explain what each label means.
Background reading
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