The Periodic Table and Atomic Theory

The periodic table is full of patterns which occur because of regular change in the structure of
the atoms of the elements.

For example:

 As atomic number increases, so does the number of protons in an element’s atoms

 As the number of protons increases, so does the number of electrons
 The arrangement of electrons in an atom determines many of its physical and chemical
properties

Bohr-Rutherford diagrams show how many electrons are in each energy level (or
electron shell):

Nucleus
# of p 2e 8e 8e 18e
# of n

 Closest energy level to the nucleus can hold a maximum of 2 electrons

 The next two energy levels can hold a maximum of 8 electrons each
 The fourth electron shell can hold a maximum of 18 electrons