There are 118 elements in the periodic table, each with a unique symbol and atomic number. Symbol: A one or two-letter abbreviation used to represent the element. Atomic number: The number of ...

Scientists use the periodic table to quickly refer to information about an element, like atomic mass and chemical symbol. The periodic table’s arrangement also allows scientists to discern trends in ...

Dr. Tim: So this is the periodic table and each letter on it represents a different element. We call these letters symbols. And an element is a pure substance made from only one type of atom.