Mnemonics for Chemistry and the Periodic Table: Memory Tricks for Elements, Reactivity Series, Groups and Latin Symbols for SSC

A mnemonic is a memory aid that turns difficult lists into a phrase or a story that is easy to remember. This guide on chemistry and periodic table mnemonics for SSC gives you memory tricks for the first 20 elements, the reactivity series, the main groups of the periodic table and the Latin symbols of the elements, with the correct facts behind each trick, practice questions and FAQs.

Note: the sentences are memory aids made for easy recall; they are not official. Check the actual facts in the tables.

The First 20 Elements

The order: H, He, Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F, Ne, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ar, K, Ca.

Reactivity Series of Metals

From the most reactive to the least: K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, (C), Zn, Fe, Sn, Pb, (H), Cu, Hg, Ag, Au.

Mercury (Hg) is usually placed between copper and silver. Remember that metals above hydrogen displace it from dilute acids, and that the highly reactive metals (K, Na) are kept under kerosene.

Groups of the Periodic Table

Latin Names Behind the Symbols

Other Chemistry Memory Aids

How to Use Mnemonics

• Say the sentence aloud while writing the list.
• Make your own sentence if it is easier: a personal sentence is the easiest to recall.
• Revise the mnemonic after one day, one week and one month.
• Always check the actual facts from a table once; a mnemonic helps the order only.

Quick Tips

• Make your own mnemonic sentence if you like.
• Revise the mnemonics at intervals.
• Check the order with the table once.
• Remember mercury and bromine are the liquid elements.

Quick Revision Points

• The first 20 elements: H, He, Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F, Ne, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ar, K, Ca.
• The reactivity series starts with potassium and ends with gold.
• Na is natrium; K is kalium; Fe is ferrum; Au is aurum.
• Group 17 is halogens; group 18 is noble gases.
• Mercury and bromine are liquids at room temperature.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. What is the symbol of sodium?
   Answer: Na
2. What is the symbol of gold?
   Answer: Au
3. Which is the most reactive metal in the reactivity series?
   Answer: Potassium
4. What is the atomic number of oxygen?
   Answer: 8
5. What is the symbol of lead?
   Answer: Pb
6. Which group are the halogens?
   Answer: Group 17
7. What is the 18th element?
   Answer: Argon
8. What is the Latin name of iron?
   Answer: Ferrum
9. Which metal is liquid at room temperature?
   Answer: Mercury
10. Which element has the symbol K?
    Answer: Potassium

How to Practise This Chapter

Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Mnemonics notes page and the next topic Mnemonics for Physics and Science Units.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mnemonic?

A memory aid that helps you to recall a list or a fact.

What are the first 20 elements in order?

H, He, Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F, Ne, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ar, K, Ca.

What is the reactivity series?

The arrangement of the metals in the decreasing order of their reactivity.

Which metals are alkali metals?

Lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium and francium.

Which gases are noble gases?

Helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon and radon.

What are halogens?

Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine.

Why is the symbol of sodium Na?

It comes from its Latin name natrium.

Why is the symbol of gold Au?

It comes from its Latin name aurum.

Is this topic asked in SSC?

Yes. The questions on the element symbols and the periodic table are common.

Do mnemonics replace learning?

No. They help you to remember the order; you still need to know the facts.

Which two elements are liquid at room temperature?

Mercury and bromine.

What is the most abundant element in the earth’s crust?

Oxygen.