Chemistry For: Dummies

: Most elements are metals (shiny, conductive), while non-metals (dull, insulators) are clustered on the right side. 3. Making Connections: Chemical Bonding

At the heart of chemistry is the , the smallest unit of an element that retains its properties. Chemistry For Dummies

: Elements in the same column have similar chemical "personalities" because they have the same number of outer-shell electrons. : Most elements are metals (shiny, conductive), while

Atoms rarely like being alone; they bond to become more stable. : Most elements are metals (shiny