The different rows of the periodic table, known as periods, represent the number of electron shells that an atom has. Each period corresponds to a principal energy level, which indicates the number of layers or shells of electrons surrounding the nucleus of the atom.
For example:
- The first period (period 1) has elements with one electron shell.
- The second period (period 2) has elements with two electron shells.
- This pattern continues, with each subsequent period adding an additional electron shell.
As you move down the periodic table through the periods, each element gains an additional electron shell, which influences the size of the atom and its chemical properties. Additionally, the number of valence electrons, which are in the outermost shell and play a crucial role in chemical bonding, is determined by the group (column) to which an element belongs.
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