It most often appears in the center of the box in a large font. The symbol abbreviates the element's name, which is standardized across different languages. When you're doing experiments or working with elemental equations, you'll likely use the elements' symbols, so it's important to familiarize yourself with them. This symbol is usually derived from the Latin form of the element’s name, but it may be derived from the widely accepted common name, especially for newer elements. For example, the symbol for Helium is He, which closely resembles the common name. However, the symbol for Iron is Fe, which is harder to recognize at first. This is the name of the element that you will use when writing it out. For example, “Helium” and “Carbon” are the names of elements. In most cases, this will appear just below the symbol, but its placement can vary. Some periodic tables may omit the full name, using just the symbol. The atomic number is often located at the top of the box, either in the center or the corner. However, it could be located under the element symbol or name. Atomic numbers run sequentially from 1-118. The atomic number will be a whole number, not a decimal. All of an element’s atoms contain the same number of protons. Unlike with electrons, an atom cannot gain or lose protons. Otherwise, the element would change! You’ll use the atomic number to find the number of electrons and neutrons as well! There is an exception if they're ionized. Protons have a positive charge, and electrons have a negative charge. Since regular atoms don’t have an electrical charge, that means electrons and protons are equal. However, an atom can lose or gain electrons, which makes it ionized.  Ions are electrically charged. If an ion has more protons, it is positive, which is indicated with a positive sign next to the ion’s symbol. If it has more electrons, the ion is negative, which is indicated with a negative symbol. You will not see a plus or minus symbol if the element is not an ion.

Summary: Recognize the element’s 1 to 2-letter symbol. Look for the full name of the element, if it’s present. Find the atomic number. Recognize the atomic number is the number of protons in an atom. Know elements contain the same number of electrons as protons.


Mood changes could take many forms.  Any shift away from your normal level of anxiety, anger, restlessness, or irritability could be a sign of low blood sugar.  If you feel a sudden change in your mood without an easily identifiable cause, it could be due to low blood sugar. If you or the person you’re evaluating for low blood sugar is normally irritable, anxious, and short-tempered, looking for changes in their mood will not be an ineffective mode of identifying low blood sugar warning signs. Cognitive difficulties refer to a suite of mental problems, including confusion, attention problems, and a general inability to think clearly.  If you or someone you’re evaluating demonstrates difficulty staying mentally focused in a sustained way, they might have low blood sugar. These headaches could occur in your temples, on top of your head, or at the back of your head.  When related to low blood sugar, they might be accompanied by dizziness or blurred vision. If you have nocturnal hypoglycemia — that is, low blood sugar while sleeping — you might experience headaches in the morning when you wake. A feeling of fatigue and tiredness often accompanies low blood sugar.  If you need to lie down, sit down, or relax due to low energy levels, you might have low blood sugar. Nocturnal hypoglycemia is also often accompanied by waking up tired, rather than refreshed, as you should after getting a full night’s rest. As your blood sugar level crashes, you will lose the ability to control your motor functions.  Speech will become slurred and you might become clumsy and stagger about, unable to walk properly.

Summary: Look for mood changes. Check for cognitive difficulties. Look for headaches. Look for weakness. Look for a lack of coordination.


Eye contact and smiling are two universal acts of flirting. Looking at someone from across a room lets them know that you notice them. When you smile, you're showing them that you are open to talking to them and that you may be interested in them, or that you like how they look. Don't force a smile or stare at them, however!  You can meet a potential date at school, work, a grocery store, a bar, or in other social situations. Smiling also releases endorphins that make you happier and can make other people react in a positive way.  Maintain eye contact for two to three seconds before looking away. If you look back and the person is still looking in your direction, this is a good sign that they meant to lock eyes with you. You can tell a lot just by the way someone looks at you or carries themselves. For example, if they point their feet toward you or lean in your direction, they may be interested in you. If they cross their arms and legs or point their knees away from you, they are not interested in you. Other signs include:  If the person smiles back, it's a good indicator that they wouldn't mind your company. If they hold your gaze for more than two seconds, it's a good sign that they would talk to you. If they avoid your gaze, look uncomfortable, or avoid you altogether, this is a sign that they aren't interested. Once you've evaluated that they like your attention, you can introduce yourself. Walk up to them with confidence by standing upright and keeping your shoulders back. Start by offering a handshake and saying hello. Begin the conversation by asking for their name or talking about something relatable.  For example, you can say something like, "Hey, my name's Alex. This band rocks. What do you think of them?" Pay close attention to their body language and facial expressions. If they look disgusted, disinterested, or frightened, you may not want to introduce yourself. Once you've introduced yourself to them and they appear receptive to you, you can start a conversation. Start by asking small questions, like how their day is so far or if they live in the area. If the conversation seems like it's stalling, ask them questions about themselves. Practice active listening by paying close attention to what the person has to say and where they are coming from. Improve your communication and listening skills by providing feedback, deferring judgemental thoughts, and responding appropriately. Instead of waiting for your turn to say something, internalize and listen to what the person is saying and show them that you're invested in the conversation.  You can enhance your listening skills by summarizing or repeating something that the person said. For example, if they explain how they liked a band before they went mainstream, you can say something like, "So what you're saying is that you liked their underground sound more than their poppy new music, right?" Some good starter questions include: What do you like to do in your spare time? What kind of music do you prefer? Are you a student? Do you like art? or What's your favorite movie? Don't plainly ask the question by itself. Integrate it into the conversation. For example say, "I just saw the new Guillermo Del Toro film and thought it was amazing. What movies do you like?" If you listen to what they have to say, you'll determine whether the person would be interested in seeing you again. If they mention a significant other, then they will most likely not go on a date with you. If they seem happy and enthusiastic to talk to you, then it's likely they want to see you again. If they avoid eye contact altogether and have short responses, you should take this as a sign to leave. If they seem comfortable and happy while talking to you, it's a good hint that they will say yes if you ask them out. Ask them for their contact information first, then see how they feel about meeting up with you later. It may be stressful to ask the question, but don't wait too long to ask, or you may never get the opportunity. You can say something like, "I had a fun time talking to you. Do you want to do this again?"
Summary: Make eye contact and smile. Evaluate the person's body language. Introduce yourself. Start a conversation. Listen to what they have to say. Ask them out.