Period (periodic table) across periods. Seven periods of elements occur naturally on Earth. For period 8, which includes elements which may be synthesized after 2016, see the extended periodic table. A group in chemistry means a family of objects with similarities like different families. There are 7 periods, going horizontally across the periodic table. The first period contains the least elements than any other, with only two, hydrogen and helium. They therefore do not follow the octet rule. Chemically, helium behaves like a noble gas, and thus is taken to be part of the group 18 elements. However, in terms of its nuclear
Extended periodic table (detailed cells) Extended periodic table (detailed cells) This is a large version of the extended periodic table of the chemical elements. For the natural isotopic composition of each element it shows "name", "atomic number", "symbol", "standard atomic weight" (or atomic weight) and a link to the element's isotopes. It also has, by keyed markings, a notification of "occurrence", "state of matter" and "metallic character". It is named "extended" because it shows elements that are theoretical only (in period 8), and "large" means that the table might exceed page width. The presentation is wide which means that there are no table parts separated