Ten Tips for Memorising the Periodic Table

 

The periodic table – a masterpiece of scientific organisation, where elements sit in perfect harmony, but also a daunting chart of letters, numbers, and categories. If you’re a student preparing for exams or just someone trying to get to grips with chemistry, learning the periodic table can feel like a huge challenge. But it doesn’t have to be! With a few clever tricks and a little creativity, you can master it.

Here are ten top tips to help you memorise the periodic table and feel like a chemistry pro in no time!

 

1. Break It Down into Sections

 

The periodic table has 118 elements, but trying to tackle them all at once is overwhelming. Instead, divide it into more manageable sections. Start by focusing on one group or period at a time. For example, learn the alkali metals (group 1) first – they’re easy to remember because they’re the first column and have very similar properties.

You could even start by learning just the first 20 elements. Once you’ve got those nailed down, gradually add the others. Taking it step by step makes the task feel less daunting, and you’ll feel a sense of progress as you go.

 

2. Create Mnemonics

 

Mnemonics are fantastic for memorisation. They use wordplay and imagery to create something memorable and personal. For example, the first ten elements can be remembered with a simple phrase:

Harry He Likes Beer But Can Not Obtain Finer Nachos!
(Hydrogen, Helium, Lithium, Beryllium, Boron, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Fluorine, Neon)

You can create your own phrases for different groups or periods. The sillier they are, the better. The brain tends to remember quirky or ridiculous imagery far more easily than dry facts.

 

3. Use Flashcards

 

Old-school but still incredibly effective, flashcards are great for drilling key facts. Write the symbol of an element on one side of the card and its name or atomic number on the other. You can also add details like whether it’s a metal or a non-metal, its group number, or a fun fact.

Apps like Quizlet allow you to create digital flashcards, so you can practise on the go. Repetition is key when it comes to memorisation, and flashcards are perfect for quick, frequent practice.

 

4. Sing a Song or Make a Rap

 

Music is a powerful memory tool, and if you can put the elements to a rhythm, you’ll find yourself remembering them with ease. Tom Lehrer’s “The Elements” song is a fun and humorous example, where he sings all the elements in order to the tune of the Major-General’s Song from The Pirates of Penzance.

Another great song to help memorise the periodic table is the “Meet the Elements” by They Might Be Giants. This fun, catchy song introduces the elements in a creative way, blending science with music. It highlights how different elements make up everything around us, from metals to gases, with a light-hearted approach that can help you remember the names and properties of elements.

The repetitive and playful nature of the song makes it a fantastic tool if you’re looking for a musical method on how to memorise the periodic table. You could even find or create lyric videos for a more interactive learning experience!

You don’t have to stick to someone else’s tune, though. Try writing your own song or rap. It doesn’t need to be a chart-topper – just something fun and catchy to help the elements stick in your mind.

 

5. Group Elements by Their Properties

 

The periodic table is cleverly organised to group elements with similar properties together. Use this to your advantage by learning them in these natural clusters. For example, the noble gases (group 18) are all inert, while the halogens (group 17) are highly reactive.

Learning about the properties of these groups can help you understand why they are where they are on the table, and the associations between similar elements will make memorisation easier.

 

6. Visualise with Colour

 

Humans are visual learners, and colour can be a powerful way to organise information in your brain. Many periodic tables are colour-coded to show groups like metals, non-metals, and metalloids. You could either buy a colour-coded periodic table or make one yourself by highlighting different groups in different colours.

Not only does colour help with recall, but creating your own colourful version of the periodic table is a great way to actively engage with the information as you learn it.

 

7. Make Use of Online Tools

 

There are plenty of online tools and apps designed specifically to help students memorise the periodic table. Websites like Ptable provide interactive periodic tables where you can explore each element’s properties, play games, and quiz yourself.

There are also several apps, such as Periodic Table Quiz, which turn learning into a fun challenge. The more engaging and interactive the process, the more likely you are to retain the information.

 

8. Focus on the Symbols

 

One tricky part of learning the periodic table is matching the element’s name to its symbol. Many elements have symbols that are quite different from their English names, such as sodium (Na) and potassium (K). This can be confusing at first, but focusing on these symbols and their origins can help.

For example, sodium’s symbol comes from the Latin word natrium, and potassium’s from kalium. Learning the origins of these symbols can add context and make them easier to remember. Plus, it’s always fun to throw a bit of etymology into your learning!

 

9. Practice with Games and Quizzes

 

Learning doesn’t have to be a slog – turn it into a game! There are loads of free online quizzes that test your knowledge of the periodic table. Sites like Sporcle have timed quizzes where you can practise naming the elements or matching symbols to names.

Challenge yourself to beat your previous score or play with a friend to see who can name the most elements. Turning memorisation into a game makes the process enjoyable and motivates you to keep improving.

 

10. Use Repetition and Review

 

There’s no magic trick for memorising the periodic table overnight – it takes time and regular practice. Set aside a little time each day to review what you’ve learned. Even 10-15 minutes a day can make a big difference.

The more often you go over the elements, the easier it will be to remember them. Spaced repetition is a particularly effective technique. This involves reviewing information at gradually increasing intervals, which helps transfer knowledge to your long-term memory.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Memorising the periodic table may seem like a daunting task, but with these tips, it becomes far more manageable – and even fun! Whether you’re using mnemonics, flashcards, music, or quizzes, the key is to find a method that works for you and stick with it.

Remember, learning the periodic table isn’t just about rote memorisation; it’s also about understanding the relationships between the elements and how they interact. So as you learn, take the time to appreciate the clever structure of the periodic table and how it reflects the beauty of chemistry. Happy learning, and feel free to contact us if you need extra help!