Periodic Table of Elements

The periodic table of the chemical elements displays the organizing principles of matter. The table is a tabular depiction of the chemical elements and their characteristics. Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev is generally credited with the invention of the periodic table.

The layout of the table has been refined and extended over time, as new elements have been discovered and new theoretical models have been developed to explain chemical behavior.

Interactive Periodic Table

This periodic table offers a “what’s this?” approach to exploring the chemical elements. It includes graphical highlights of various relationships among the elements. Courtesy of W. H. Freeman, publisher of Chemistry in the Community and CADRE design.

ACS Periodic Table of Elephants

Have you seen the Periodic Table of the Elephants and found yourself puzzled over the intended meaning behind any of the figures?