A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

H Hydrogen The first element, hydrogen (H), is located above the alkali metals in the first column of the periodic table. Howeve ...

20 Hydrogen Hydrogen is the first member of the periodic table because it has the simplest atoms of all elements: they contain j ...

21 this element are fused together, releasing heat and light. New stars form inside nebulae – such as the Orion Nebula. They are ...

Potassium (K) tarnishes when exposed to air. 022-023_Alkali_Metals_Opener.indd 22 02/12/16 6:52 pm ...

Atomic structure The atoms of all alkali metals have just one electron in their outer shell. Alkali metal atoms are among the bi ...

24 Alkali Metals Forms Lithium is the the lightest of all metals: in fact, it can easily float on water. Pure lithium is very re ...

25 Alkali Metals telescopes. The main use for lithium is in rechargeable batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are small but powerful ...

26 Alkali Metals Forms Sodium Na 11 This sodium-rich mineral is an example of a zeolite, a mineral with tiny holes that can trap ...

27 Alkali Metals Uses Cats were sacred in ancient Egypt, so their bodies were mummified. into flames when in contact with water. ...

SALT FLATS Hundreds of artificial ponds dot the hillside near the small town of Maras, high in the Andes of Peru. The ponds fill ...

The salt forms part of rocks deep underground before it is dissolved by the stream and flows into the pools. Evaporation can als ...

30 Alkali Metals Laboratory sample of pure potassium in an airless vial Potash Forms Potassium 19 K Soft and shiny solid This mi ...

31 Alkali Metals Sweet potato Banana Avocado Potassium-rich fertilizer is easily absorbed by the soil and boosts plant growth. S ...

32 Alkali Metals Rubidium makes up only about 1 per cent of this mineral. Forms Rubidium Rb 37 Rubidium was named after the Lati ...

33 Alkali Metals Uses rubidium in it but is very rare. Rubidium atoms are sensitive to light and can be used in photoelectric ce ...

34 Alkali Metals Caesium Cs 55 Forms Uses As the most reactive metal on Earth, caesium explodes into flames if in contact with a ...

35 Alkali Metals Francium Fr 87 Francium is the rarest natural element on Earth. Scientists think there may be just 30 g (1.1 oz ...

Barium (Ba) crystals turn black in air. 036-037_Alkaline_Earth_Metals_Opener.indd 36 02/12/16 6:52 pm ...

Alkaline Earth Metals Be Ca Mg Ba Sr Ra Atomic structure The alkaline earth metals have two electrons in their outermost electro ...

38 Alkaline Earth Metals Forms Beryllium Be 4 This widely used element gets its name from the Greek word ber yllos, after which ...