Absolutely Small, Chapter 11: Many Electron Atoms and the Periodic Table of Elements

All atoms (with the exception of hydrogen atoms) have more than one electron. The quantize energy levels of electrons with many electrons are presented in a diagram. The Periodic Table of the Elements is introduced. This is a table that is fundamental to the nature of atoms and plays a central role in chemistry. Using the energy level diagram the Periodic Table is explained. In the course of the explanation, there is a systematic description of some of the properties of atoms. For example: Why does table salt dissolve in water but hydrocarbons (oil) donAÆt? Why do some solids, like copper, conduct electricity, but other solids, like sulfur, do not?