This clear and concise book follows the atomic numbers to give a complete survey of the chemical elements. Starting with hydrogen, the author takes the reader on a tour of the periodic table, describing each element, its unique properties, occurrences and uses, its role in current research, and how its electron configuration determines its chemical behavior. The author draws numerous comparisons between neighboring and analogous elements and points out important trends in d- and f-transition series. Complete with summaries, illustrations, and careful explanations of new concepts, this book...