Periodic Table of the Elements is a six-volume set that explains not only how the elements were discovered and what their most prominent chemical and physical properties are but also the impact of discoveries on society and in science, including the fields of astrophysics, chemistry, and materials science. The books illustrate how the work of scientists has advanced our understanding of atomic theory and the nature of matter. Each volume highlights a group of related elements as they appear in the periodic table-at present, the elements from 1 through 118 (with the exception of element 117)-and provides basic information about each element, its role in history, the chemistry of the element, new issues involving the element, and the past, present, and future uses of the element. Metals and Metalloids presents the current scientific understanding of the physics, chemistry, and geology of these two families of elements, including how they are synthesized in the universe, when and how they were discovered, and where they are found on Earth. The book explores how humans use and manipulate post-transition metals and metalloids and the resultant benefits and challenges to society. Sidebars throughout the book clarify fundamental concepts about the behavior of these elements and provide insight into the effects they have on science, technology, health, and medicine. The volume includes information on aluminum and gallium arsenic and antimony boron indium and thallium lead and bismuth silicon and germanium tellurium and polonium tin The book contains about 60 color photographs and line illustrations, sidebars, a chart of SI units and conversions, a list of acronyms, the Periodic Table of the Elements, a table of the elements arranged by category, a chronology, a glossary, a detailed list of print and Internet resources, and an index. Periodic Table of the Elements is essential for high school students, teachers, and general readers who wish to learn about the history of the periodic table and its impact on scientific findings of the past, present, and future. Book jacket.