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The first element in each row has just one electron in its outer shell which means it is unstable and the most reactive. All the elements in the second row (second period) have two orbitals for their electrons, as so on for the other periods. For example all the elements in the top row (period) has one orbital of its electrons. All of the elements in the second row (the second period) have two orbitals for their electrons.Ĭhemical elements are grouped into periods (rows), ordered by their atomic number, which have the same number of atomic orbitals. For example, every element in the top row (the first period) has one orbital for its electrons. What does “Periodic” mean in the periodic table?Įlements in a period have the same number of atomic orbitals.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Periodic Table.
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