Chemistry 1/2 - Memorizing the first 36 elements

[jinny1]

So my Chem 1 lecturer tells us that we need to know the first 36 elements in the periodic table since the table will not be in the exam!!!

So can previous chem1/chem2 students give me some guidance how to best learn and to what extent to learn them??

Do i need to know their atomic number, valence electrons, number of electrons, exactly where they are positioned in the table etc.

Thanks

[Starlight]

So my Chem 1 lecturer tells us that we need to know the first 36 elements in the periodic table since the table will not be in the exam!!!

So can previous chem1/chem2 students give me some guidance how to best learn and to what extent to learn them??

Do i need to know their atomic number, valence electrons, number of electrons, exactly where they are positioned in the table etc.

Thanks

Same here i'll have to do this for a few elements.

I think atomic number, no. valence electrons (group)

mass number probably irrelevant (maybe for the most basic elements like H, O etc.) but i don't think you guys do these calculations like you did in sem 1 like mole calculations.

Just write up a new periodic table with the group, atomic number etc. Maybe put them in the classes like halogens etc.

[charmanderp]

If I had to do it I'd probably do it my group number or molar mass. Right now I can kinda piece it together by knowing that aluminium is heaver than sodium and such, plus knowing the number of electrons in the outer shell is another pretty good guide.

[nisha]

I can help you remember the first 20 ...and then you will have to continue.
Ok, so we have the first few elements and I recite their chemical symbol:::
HHeLi-BeB-CNOF-NeNa-MgAl-SiPS-ClArKCa

FYI: the symbols are above, just joined together to make it easier.
Pronounce as follows: Ha-li-beb-cnof-ne-nam-gal-sips-clarka
(cbbs capitalising). Say it a few times, and its catchy so you should memorise it. Then in the exam, just write he pronunciation down, and you should be able to see your elements in order (what I mean is separate nam-gal=Na, Mg, Al). Took me only 15 mins to memorise, and I it from year 10. Goodluck (continue the same pattern for the remaining elements).

[brenden]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGM-wSKFBpo
Thank me later.

[taiga]

This is how I got the first 20 back in year 11
http://everything2.com/title/Periodic+table+mnemonic

[paulsterio]

Lmao, I never understand why we have to memorise elements, what a waste of precious memory space!

But honestly though, it's not hard, I remember the first 20 because I learnt them in Year 10, you just have to practice not using the periodic table and you'll eventually get it.

[jinny1]

Thank you heaps guys! Had a good laugh at the youtube video song lol

I have learnt a mnemonic to help wit the names/order but it is hard to infer the molar mass, atomic number, group/period number, valence electrons etc.

I agree with Paul... Fundamentals of chem gave you a periodic table!!!

[John President]

Back in the day, my dad learnt this one for Period 2:

Little Bare-Breasted Clarissa Nibbles On Freddie's Nuts

[jinny1]

Back in the day, my dad learnt this one for Period 2:

Little Bare-Breasted Clarissa Nibbles On Freddie's Nuts

lmao

[thushan]

Ah yes. Memorising the elements is quite useful, saves the tedious time of pulling out a periodic table.

To memorise them....you could use a mnemonic. I used my Dad's voice to memorise it (he got me to memorise it as a kid).

[charmanderp]

I don't understand why you'd need to memorise them though? What function does it serve in university level chemistry?

[thushan]

I don't understand why you'd need to memorise them though? What function does it serve in university level chemistry?

Convenience. It's just easier for you.

[charmanderp]

So is it more about knowing how many protons/electrons/neutrons each one has or just knowing the order? The former I can understand but not the latter.

[Aurelian]

Do i need to know their atomic number, valence electrons, number of electrons, exactly where they are positioned in the table etc.

Thanks

Tbh you only really need to know the order, and then you should be able to figure out all that stuff from that...