There are 118 types of elements in matter. This comprehensive list includes all known elements, from the lightest and simplest, hydrogen, to the heaviest and most complex, oganesson. The periodic table, which organizes elements based on their atomic number, serves as a reference for this extensive collection. The discovery of new elements has expanded this list over time, with the most recent additions occurring in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

The reason for the existence of 118 elements lies in the fundamental structure of atoms. Each element is defined by the number of protons in its nucleus, known as the atomic number. For instance, hydrogen has one proton, helium has two, and so on. The periodic table is structured in such a way that elements with similar chemical properties are grouped together, reflecting their electron configurations. The periodic table's seven periods and 18 groups provide a framework for understanding the relationships between different elements.

The data supporting the existence of 118 elements comes from various scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, and nuclear physics. The discovery of new elements often involves nuclear reactions, where lighter elements are fused or heavier elements are split to create new ones. For example, the synthesis of element 118, oganesson, was achieved through the fusion of calcium-48 and californium-249 in a particle accelerator. This process, known as nuclear transmutation, has allowed scientists to explore the limits of the periodic table.

The periodic table's structure also reveals patterns in the properties of elements. For instance, elements in the same group tend to have similar valence electron configurations, which in turn influence their chemical behavior. This pattern is evident in the periodic table's diagonal relationship between metallic and nonmetallic properties, as well as the periodic recurrence of certain properties, such as ionization energy and electronegativity.

In conclusion, the existence of 118 elements in matter is a testament to the vast diversity of atomic structures and the intricate relationships between them. The periodic table serves as a valuable tool for understanding and organizing this information, providing a framework for scientists to explore the fundamental nature of matter.