Meaning & use
the periodic table
Last updated
Meaning
proper nounproper
A chart that shows all chemical elements arranged by their atomic number and properties.
Grammar: Always used with 'the' and usually capitalized: the periodic table.
Patterns
- on the periodic table
- in the periodic table
- the periodic table of elements
The periodic table helps chemists understand how elements behave.
Oxygen is found near the top of the periodic table.
Students learn the periodic table in their first chemistry class.
Common combinations
- the periodic table of elements
- The periodic table of elements lists all known elements.
- on the periodic table
- Gold is located on the periodic table with other metals.
- arrange in the periodic table
- Elements are arranged in the periodic table by atomic number.
Word family
- periodic adjective
- Happening at regular intervals; in chemistry, relating to the periodic table.
- periodicity noun
- The quality of occurring at regular intervals, as seen in the periodic table.
Commonly confused: the periodic table or periodic table?
the periodic table vs periodic table
Do not confuse with 'periodic table' meaning a table that appears at regular times; the chemistry term is always 'the periodic table'.
Practice
What is the periodic table used for?
Choose one answer.
The periodic table is a chart that lists all chemical elements arranged by atomic number. Option 1 is not its purpose. Option 2 is not correct. Option 3 is not correct.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the periodic table”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.