How to Easily Remember the First 20 Elements
In the vast world of chemistry, the periodic table serves as a foundational guide to understanding the elements. The first 20 elements, known as the “Big Bang” elements, are crucial for grasping the basics of chemistry. However, memorizing these elements can be a daunting task. Fear not, as we present you with some innovative and effective strategies to easily remember the first 20 elements.
1. Create a Story
One of the most effective ways to remember information is by turning it into a story. Create a narrative that incorporates each of the first 20 elements, using their symbols and atomic numbers. For instance, you can imagine a group of elements on a quest to save the periodic table from a villain. Each element plays a unique role, and their symbols and atomic numbers become part of the story’s plot.
2. Use Mnemonic Devices
Mnemonic devices are memory aids that help you recall information by associating it with something more memorable. For the first 20 elements, you can use the following mnemonic devices:
– Hydrogen, Helium, Lithium, Beryllium, Boron, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Fluorine, Neon, Sodium, Magnesium, Aluminum, Silicon, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Chlorine, Argon, Potassium, Calcium.
To remember this list, you can use the phrase: “Hydrogen Helium Lithium, Beryllium Boron Carbon, Nitrogen Oxygen Fluorine, Neon Sodium Magnesium, Aluminum Silicon Phosphorus, Sulfur Chlorine Argon, Potassium Calcium.”
3. Make Flashcards
Flashcards are a classic study tool that can help you memorize the first 20 elements. Create flashcards with the element’s symbol, atomic number, and name on one side, and its atomic mass and electron configuration on the other. Use these flashcards to quiz yourself regularly, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you’ll remember the elements.
4. Use Acronyms
Acronyms can be a fun and efficient way to remember the first 20 elements. Create an acronym using the first letter of each element’s name:
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 – Aluminum
Si – Silicon
P – Phosphorus
S – Sulfur
Cl – Chlorine
Ar – Argon
K – Potassium
Ca – Calcium
The resulting acronym is “HHLBBNCNOFFNEMNASMAKCA,” which can be easily remembered.
5. Visualize the Periodic Table
Visualize the periodic table as a map, with each element as a landmark. Imagine yourself traveling through the table, visiting each element’s “landmark” and noting its properties. This method helps you remember the elements’ positions and their relationships to one another.
In conclusion, memorizing the first 20 elements doesn’t have to be a challenging task. By employing these creative and effective strategies, you can easily remember the elements and their properties, setting a strong foundation for your chemistry studies.
