Grade-10

Classification of Elements Introduction The classification of elements into various blocks, periods and groups according to their characteristics is considered a significant achievement in the history of chemistry. Previously very few elements were discovered. So, individual study of these elements was possible. With the development of science and human knowledge, many new elements were discovered. Thereafter, the study of an individual element became difficult. To make study easy, fast and clear, chemists felt the need of grouping these elements. About 118 elements have been discovered till today and they have similarities as well as dissimilarities among each other. So, the grouping of elements on the basis of their similarities and dissimilarities is the called classification of elements. Many chemists have made attempts to classify the known elements. Among them Antoine Lavoisier was the first person who classified all the 32 known elements into metals and non-metals. Since, then many systematic classifications have been given by various scientists.