AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
There are about 100 different elements. Elements are shown in the periodic…
Full specification wording
Atoms, elements and compounds: There are about 100 different elements. Elements are shown in the periodic table.
There are approximately 100 naturally occurring elements, each with its own unique atomic number and chemical symbol.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 10
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
There are approximately 100 naturally occurring elements, each with its own unique atomic number and chemical symbol. These elements are arranged in the periodic table in order of increasing atomic number. The periodic table groups elements with similar properties together, such as the alkali metals in Group 1 and the halogens in Group 7. Metals are found on the left and centre, non-metals on the right. The table allows chemists to predict properties and reactions. For example, sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are both in Group 1 and react similarly with water. Knowing the structure of the periodic table helps you locate elements and understand trends. The statement emphasises that the periodic table is a comprehensive list of all known elements, and that there are about 100 of them.
What earns the marks
- State that there are about 100 different elements.
- Identify that elements are arranged in the periodic table.
- Describe the periodic table as a list of elements in order of atomic number.
- Recognise that elements in the same group have similar properties.
- Use the periodic table to find the symbol and atomic number of an element.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Thinking there are thousands of elements.
Put it right: Recall the approximate number.
Believing that the periodic table lists compounds.
Put it right: Compounds are formed from elements.
Confusing groups and periods.
Put it right: Use the correct terminology.
Exam tips
- Familiarise yourself with the layout of the periodic table, including group numbers and key elements.
- When asked about the number of elements, 'about 100' is sufficient; you do not need an exact figure.
- Use the periodic table to predict properties of elements in the same group.
Try the lesson
The start of the Atoms, elements and compounds: There are about 100 different elements. Elements are shown in the periodic table. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Approximately how many different elements are there?
Listen
There are approximately 100 naturally occurring elements, each with its own unique atomic number and chemical symbol. These elements are arranged in the periodic table in order of increasing atomic number. The periodic table groups elements with similar properties together, such as the alkali metals in Group 1 and the halogens in Group 7. Metals are found on the left and centre, non-metals on the right. The table allows chemists to predict properties and reactions. For example, sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are both in Group 1 and react similarly with water. Knowing the structure of the periodic table helps you locate elements and understand trends. The statement emphasises that the periodic table is a comprehensive list of all known elements, and that there are about 100 of them. A strong answer earns marks for these points. State that there are about 100 different elements. Identify that elements are arranged in the periodic table. Describe the periodic table as a list of elements in order of atomic number. Recognise that elements in the same group have similar properties. A common slip: Thinking there are thousands of elements: there are only about 100 naturally occurring elements. Instead, recall the approximate number. Exam tip: Familiarise yourself with the layout of the periodic table, including group numbers and key elements.
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Key words
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elements
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periodic table
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groups
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periods
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See every definition
- elements
- There are about 100 different elements, and they are shown in the periodic table.
- periodic table
- A table in which elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number, grouping together elements with similar properties.
- groups
- Vertical columns in the periodic table that contain elements with similar properties.
- periods
- Horizontal rows in the periodic table.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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