Table of Contents
The First 20 elements of Periodic Table provide a useful introduction to different groups of elements. These first 20 elements play a role in many everyday chemical activities. Among them, we have metals like Lithium, Beryllium, Sodium, Magnesium, Aluminium, Potassium, and Calcium. Additionally, there are non-metals such as Hydrogen, Helium, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Fluorine, Neon, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Chlorine, and Argon among the first 20 elements.
First 20 Elements of Periodic Table
Atomic Number | Element | Symbol |
1 | Hydrogen | H |
2 | Helium | He |
3 | Lithium | Li |
4 | Beryllium | Be |
5 | Boron | B |
6 | Carbon | C |
7 | Nitrogen | N |
8 | Oxygen | O |
9 | Fluorine | F |
10 | Neon | Ne |
11 | Sodium | Na |
12 | Magnesium | Mg |
13 | Aluminium | Al |
14 | Silicon | Si |
15 | Phosphorus | P |
16 | Sulphur | S |
17 | Chlorine | Cl |
18 | Argon | Ar |
19 | Potassium | K |
20 | Calcium | Ca |
Mnemonic to Remember First 20 Elements
Using memory tricks called Mnemonic words can help you remember and recall words and their meanings more easily. Here’s a Mnemonic guide for the initial 20 elements on the periodic table:
Element Name | Symbols | Mnemonic |
Hydrogen | H | Hi |
Helium | Hi | Hello |
Lithium | Li | Listen |
Beryllium | Be | B |
Boron | B | B |
Carbon | C | C |
Nitrogen | N | News |
Oxygen | O | O |
Fluorine | F | F |
Neon | Ne | New Zealand |
Sodium | Na | Nagaland |
Magnesium | Mg | Meghalaya |
Aluminum | Al | All |
Silicon | Si | Senior |
Phosphorous | P | Public |
Sulfur | S | Schools |
Chlorine | Cl | Closed |
Argon | Ar | Around |
Potassium | K | Kargil |
Calcium | Ca | Ca |
Importance of the First 20 Elements of Periodic Table
The first 20 elements in the periodic table are really important for everyday life. Let’s talk about why some of these elements are so crucial:
- Oxygen (O): We all know we need oxygen to breathe. It’s also produced by plants during photosynthesis.
- Carbon (C): About 18% of our bodies are made up of carbon. It’s found in important things like proteins, sugars, and glucose. We also find carbon in fossil fuels like petroleum and natural gas (CNG).
- Aluminium (Al): Aluminum is soft and can be shaped easily. That’s why it’s used to make things like airplane parts and kitchen utensils.
- Calcium (Ca): Calcium is vital for keeping our bones strong.
- Silicon (Si): Silicon works like a switch in electronics and is used in computer chips.
- Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus is a part of ATP, which is like the body’s energy currency. It’s also used in the military to make certain weapons.
Noble Gas in First 20 Elements of Periodic Table
Noble gases, also called inert gases, are elements that don’t react much with other elements. These gases were found later than some other elements.
In the first 20 elements, there are three noble gases:
- Helium (He) with Atomic Number 2
- Neon (Ne) with Atomic Number 10
- Argon (Ar) with Atomic Number 18
FAQs on the First 20 Elements of Periodic Table
What are the first 20 elements in order?
H – Hydrogen He – Helium Li – Lithium Be – Beryllium B – Boron C – Carbon N – Nitrogen O – Oxygen F – Fluorine Ne – Neon Na – Sodium Mg – Magnesium Al – Aluminium Si – Silicon P – Phosphorus S – Sulphur Cl – Chlorine Ar – Argon K – Potassium Ca – Calcium
Define Element Symbols and Numbers?
An element's atomic number tells us how many protons are in its nucleus. The element symbol is a short way to write its name, often just one or two letters. Sometimes, the symbol can come from an older name, like 'K' for kalium.
Why are the first 20 elements so important?
Approximately 99% of your body's weight comes from six elements. The initial 20 elements give a good idea about different groups of elements. They are also commonly used in chemical reactions.
Which of the first 20 elements do not form compounds easily and why?
With the exception of helium, noble gases have full s and p outer electron shells. Because of this, they don't readily take part in chemical reactions or bond with other elements.
How many periods are in the periodic table?
The periodic table shows us all the different kinds of chemicals known to scientists. These chemicals are arranged in rows based on how heavy their atoms are, and there are seven rows in total. In the middle, there are special rows for some elements called 'lanthanoids' and 'actinoids.' These elements have specific numbers, like lanthanum (number 57) to lutetium (number 71) in one group and actinium (number 89) to lawrencium (number 103) in another group.