Interactive Periodic Table of Elements
Click any element to explore its properties, electron configuration, and discovery history. All 118 elements with detailed data.
FAQ
How many elements are in the periodic table?
There are 118 confirmed elements in the periodic table, ranging from Hydrogen (atomic number 1) to Oganesson (atomic number 118). The first 94 occur naturally; elements 95-118 were synthesized in laboratories.
Who created the periodic table?
Dmitri Mendeleev published the first widely recognized periodic table in 1869. His genius was leaving gaps for undiscovered elements and predicting their properties — which were later confirmed.
What is an atomic number?
The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. It uniquely identifies each element. For example, Carbon always has 6 protons; if it has 7, it's Nitrogen.
What are element groups and periods?
Groups are the vertical columns (1-18). Elements in the same group have the same number of valence electrons and similar chemistry. Periods are the horizontal rows (1-7), representing electron shells.
What is the difference between lanthanides and actinides?
Lanthanides (elements 57-71) are rare-earth metals used in electronics and magnets. Actinides (89-103) are radioactive; they include uranium and plutonium. Both are shown separately for compactness.