Welcome! My name is Fluorine Lanthanum Sulfur Potassium, but you can just call me FLaSK for short. I will be your guide to understanding the periodic table better.
So, let's get started!
Currently, there are three pieces of information displayed for each element. As you navigate through different tabs, the information given will be slightly different. Let's start from the top down.
First, we have what is called the atomic number. Before we go into what this number tells you, let's have a review on what exactly an atom consists of.
An atom consists of a nucleus that contains neutrons and protons, surrounded by what is called an electron cloud which contains electrons. Different elements are distinguished by how many protons/electrons it has. The atomic number of an element tells you exactly how many protons/electrons an element has. So, in this case, Boron has 5 protons and 5 electrons.
The symbol of the element is like an abbreviation for the element and is what you use in a chemical equation.
Finally, there is the name of the element itself.