1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Chemistry

Periodic Table Definition

Chemistry Glossary Definition of Periodic Table

By , About.com Guide

The periodic table is a way of organizing the chemical elements.

The periodic table is a way of organizing the chemical elements.

Cepheus, Wikipedia Commons
Return to the Chemistry Glossary Index

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Definition: The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of the chemical elements by increasing atomic number which displays the elements so that one may see trends in their properties. The Russian scientist Dmitri Mendeleev is most often credited with inventing the periodic table (1869) from which the modern table is derived. Although Mendeleev's table ordered the elements according to increasing atomic weight rather than atomic number, his table illustrated recurring trends or periodicity in the element properties.

Also Known As: Periodic Chart, Periodic Table of the Elements, Periodic Table of the Chemical Elements

Explore Chemistry

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Chemistry
  4. Facts & Pictures
  5. Dictionaries & Glossaries
  6. Chemistry Glossary
  7. Periodic Table Definition - Chemistry Glossary Definition of Periodic Table>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.