The chemistry of the p-block elements is extremely diverse and is often viewed by students as a subject of daunting vastness. This text shows students that most, if not all, of the basic knowledge needed to master the subject can be made more manageable if a number of general principles are understood. The text begins with an introduction to the electronic structures of atoms and shows how a general understanding of those structures is useful in comprehending why the periodic table has the form that it does. The periodic aspects of element properties such as ionization energies and electronegativity are covered and are used to understand the diverse physical nature of p-block elements themselves. A survey of physical properties of p-block element compounds is also included, providing a basis for understanding the nature of the compounds which the p-block elements form between themselves. The text concludes with an account of structural trends and of periodic trends in acidity and basicity. Throughout the text suitable examples are chosen to illustrate the concepts involved.