Mastering the periodic table is key to excelling in a chemistry class. Besides seeking the help of an A Level Chemistry tutor or an IP Chemistry tutor, knowing the periodic table by heart is another effective way to improve your performance as a chemistry student. There are several different benefits that come with memorising the periodic table.
For one, it can help you answer your examinations much faster by eliminating the need to refer to the table during the tests. However, for some students, just the thought of recalling the entire periodic table is enough to put them off their preparations for an upcoming chemistry exam. To help you, here are some foolproof tips and tricks on how you can easily memorise the periodic table.
1. Repetition
According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), repetition is an effective trigger for memory formation. Basically, the more times an information is repeated, the better it is remembered. You can combine the repetition study method with reading out loud because reading details out loud helps with long-term memory and enhances your ability to remember information over time.
2. Use of association and acronyms
The human brain is proficient at identifying and remembering patterns. Taking advantage of this can be a great help when you are trying to memorise a seemingly mundane series of information, such as the periodic table. Associating every element in the table to a sentence or the name of a place or familiar object can help you recall such elements by association.
For example, the name ‘Argentina’ was derived from the term ‘Argentum,’ which is the scientific name for silver. Thus, you can associate silver and its symbol ‘Ag’ with the country Argentina. Aside from association, it is also an incredible idea to use acronyms and mnemonics in memorising the periodic table.
For instance, the alkali metals in the periodic table, namely lithium with the symbol ‘Li,’ sodium with the symbol ‘Na,’ potassium with the symbol ‘K,’ rubidium with the symbol ‘Rb,’ cesium with the symbol ‘Cs,’ and francium with the symbol ‘Fr’ can be more easily remembered using the mnemonic, “Linda’s Nanny Keeps Rubbing Cats Frantically.”
3. Use of colour
The universal periodic table has already divided itself into various colours, each of which has a different meaning. Most periodic tables used in schools are coloured and sectioned into three primary categories, namely metals, metalloids, and non-metals. Familiarising yourself with the different colours in the periodic table and their meanings for them can help you memorise better where the elements belong as well as their characteristics or similarities.
4. Hard copy
Another great way to speed up your memorisation of the periodic table is to print out a copy or copies of it and learn the same in parts. When you carry parts of the periodic table, you can learn it during your free time or in situations where you need to kill time. If you are a visual learner, manually copying the table is an excellent way to begin the process. Due to the very personal act of writing, you can remember the periodic table more easily.
5. Flash cards
A fun and exciting way to memorise the periodic table is by preparing flash cards for every element or purchasing an existing set. There are numerous ways to use flashcards when it comes to memorising the periodic table. For instance, you can include essential facts (e.g. symbol and atomic number) about every element on one side of the card, and then state the name of the element on the other side of the card. Flash cards can help you memorise information in a structured and organised manner.
6. Segregating the table into sections
As mentioned earlier, the human brain is adept at learning predetermined patterns. The universal periodic table is already segregated into various classifications, and there are numerous grouping methods involved, such as the way the elements are listed in ascending order of atomic number or are divided into groups like noble gases and alkali metals. Making use of this property is a great idea.
Rather than memorising all the elements at one go, segregate them into smaller sections and different sets, and then spread them out. For instance, you can select the first seven metal elements as your first set, and the succeeding elements into another set. Pick the pattern according to your preferences, make copies of your chosen segments, and utilise them to memorise parts of the table. Revisiting each segment every now and then is a good practice.
Conclusion
Memorising the periodic table does not have to be difficult. By being smart and creative in your memorisation process, you can definitely remember all the elements in the periodic table more easily and quickly. However, while there are many memorisation techniques for the periodic table, it is best to select only a few that you are comfortable with and stick to them. Adopting too many methods can cause confusion and make it hard for you to memorise.
To help you incorporate the right memorisation techniques, it is highly advised that you seek the help of a reliable chemistry tutor. For the best A Level Chemistry tuition or IP Chemistry tuition in Singapore, Twig Learning Center is the one you need! We offer extensive and effective classes that are all designed to help you memorise chemistry concepts easily and turn you into a master of chemistry in no time! For more information on our top-notch classes, feel free to contact us here.