Difference between revisions of "Periodic table" - New World Encyclopedia
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− | The '''periodic table of the chemical elements''' | + | The '''periodic table of the chemical elements''' is a [[table|tabular]] display of the [[chemical element]]s. It is perhaps ''the'' icon of [[Chemistry]] and expresses much about the physical and chemical properties of the known [[elements]]. |
− | == | + | == History == |
+ | |||
+ | :''Main article: [[History of the periodic table]]'' | ||
+ | |||
+ | The original table was created without a knowledge of the inner structure of [[atom]]s, but rather by correlating physical and chemical properties of the elements with [[atomic mass]]. If the elements are ordered by atomic mass then a certain ''periodicity'', or regular repetition, of physical and chemical properties can be observed. The first to recognize these regularities was the German chemist [[Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner]] who, in 1829, noticed a number of ''triads'' of similar elements: | ||
+ | |||
+ | {| class="wikitable" | ||
+ | |+ '''Some triads''' | ||
+ | |- valign="top" | ||
+ | ! Element || Molar mass <br> (g/mol) || Density <br> (g/cm³) || Quotient <br> (cm³/mol) | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | chlorine || 35.4527 || 0.003214 || 11030 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | bromine || 79.904 || 3.122 || 25.6 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | iodine || 126.90447 || 4.93 || 25.7 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | colspan="4" | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | calcium || 40.078 || 1.54 || 26.0 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | strontium || 87.62 || 2.64 || 33.2 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | barium || 137.327 || 3.594 || 38.2 | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | This was followed by the English chemist [[John Alexander Reina Newlands|John Newlands]], who noticed in 1865 that the elements of similar type recurred at intervals of eight, which he likened to the [[octave|octaves of music]], though his ''law of octaves'' was ridiculed by his contemporaries. Finally, in 1869, the German [[Julius Lothar Meyer]] and the Russian chemistry professor [[Dmitri Mendeleev|Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev]] almost simultaneously developed the first periodic table, arranging the elements by mass. However, Mendeleev plotted a few elements out of strict mass sequence in order to make a better match to the properties of their neighbours in the table. He also corrected mistakes in the values of several atomic masses, and predicted the existence and properties of a few new elements in the empty cells of his table. Mendeleev was later vindicated by the discovery of the electronic structure of the elements in the late [[19th century|19th]] and early 20th century. The modern table is based on this understanding of the electronic structures. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In 1913, [[Henry Moseley]] rearranged the table according to atomic number to improve the observed periodicity in the [[chemical property|chemical properties]] across the table. Todays table uses this ordering by atomic number (number of protons). Mendeleev's and Moseley's development of the periodic table was one of the greatest achievements in modern chemistry. Chemists were able to qualitatively explain the behavior of the elements, and to predict the existence of yet undiscovered ones. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In the 1940s [[Glenn T. Seaborg]] identified the [[transuranium element|transuranic]] lanthanides and the actinides, which may be placed within the table, or below (see the different possible arrangements below). | ||
+ | |||
+ | == Methods for displaying the periodic table == | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Standard periodic table === | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Periodic table}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Other depictions === | ||
+ | |||
+ | * The [[Periodic table (standard)|standard table]] (same as above) provides the basics. | ||
+ | * A [[Periodic table (alternate)|vertical table]] for improved readability in web browsers. | ||
+ | * The [[Periodic table (large version)|large table]] provides the basics plus full element names and [[atomic mass]]es. | ||
+ | * A table with an [[Periodic table (wide)|inline F-block]] inserts the [[lanthanide]]s and [[actinide]]s back into the table. | ||
+ | * [[Periodic table (electron configurations)|Electron configurations]] | ||
+ | * [[Periodic table (metals and non-metals)|Metals and non-metals]] | ||
+ | * [[Periodic table (block)|Periodic table filled by blocks]] | ||
+ | * [[List of elements by name]] with [[atomic number]] and [[atomic mass]] | ||
+ | * [[Electronegativity|List of elements by electronegativity]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | == Structure of the Table == | ||
The modern periodic table is arranged so that elements in each column of the table have the same number of [[valence electron]]s. Every time a [[valence shell]] is filled, a new row is started. Since the more external valence shells can accomodate many more electrons, the lower rows of the table are much wider. | The modern periodic table is arranged so that elements in each column of the table have the same number of [[valence electron]]s. Every time a [[valence shell]] is filled, a new row is started. Since the more external valence shells can accomodate many more electrons, the lower rows of the table are much wider. | ||
Each element is listed with at least the number of [[proton]]s in its nucleus (the [[atomic number]]) and its [[element symbol]]; many versions of the table also include the element's [[atomic mass]] and other information, such as its abbreviated [[electron configuration]], [[electronegativity]] and most common [[valence number]]s. As of 2005, the table contains 116 chemical elements whose discoveries have been confirmed. 94 are found naturally on Earth, and the rest are [[synthetic elements]] that have been produced artificially in laboratories. | Each element is listed with at least the number of [[proton]]s in its nucleus (the [[atomic number]]) and its [[element symbol]]; many versions of the table also include the element's [[atomic mass]] and other information, such as its abbreviated [[electron configuration]], [[electronegativity]] and most common [[valence number]]s. As of 2005, the table contains 116 chemical elements whose discoveries have been confirmed. 94 are found naturally on Earth, and the rest are [[synthetic elements]] that have been produced artificially in laboratories. | ||
− | The elements were originally arranged by the number of [[nucleon]]s (approximately [[atomic mass]]). Mendeleev shuffled cards with the elements' names and properties until he found a pattern | + | The elements were originally arranged by the number of [[nucleon]]s (approximately [[atomic mass]]). Mendeleev shuffled cards with the elements' names and properties until he found a pattern. |
== Periodicity of chemical properties == | == Periodicity of chemical properties == | ||
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The chemical properties of these elements is even more similar than in transition metals, and separating a mixture of these can be very difficult. This is important in the ''chemical'' purification of [[uranium]], important for [[nuclear power]]. | The chemical properties of these elements is even more similar than in transition metals, and separating a mixture of these can be very difficult. This is important in the ''chemical'' purification of [[uranium]], important for [[nuclear power]]. | ||
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== Periodic table structure reflects electron configuration == | == Periodic table structure reflects electron configuration == | ||
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Because of the importance of the outermost shell, the different regions of the periodic table are sometimes referred to as '''[[periodic table block]]s''', named according to the sub-shell in which the "last" electron resides, e.g. the ''s''-block, the ''p''-block, the ''d''-block, etc. | Because of the importance of the outermost shell, the different regions of the periodic table are sometimes referred to as '''[[periodic table block]]s''', named according to the sub-shell in which the "last" electron resides, e.g. the ''s''-block, the ''p''-block, the ''d''-block, etc. | ||
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== Further resources == | == Further resources == |
Revision as of 22:56, 18 January 2006
The periodic table of the chemical elements is a tabular display of the chemical elements. It is perhaps the icon of Chemistry and expresses much about the physical and chemical properties of the known elements.
History
- Main article: History of the periodic table
The original table was created without a knowledge of the inner structure of atoms, but rather by correlating physical and chemical properties of the elements with atomic mass. If the elements are ordered by atomic mass then a certain periodicity, or regular repetition, of physical and chemical properties can be observed. The first to recognize these regularities was the German chemist Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner who, in 1829, noticed a number of triads of similar elements:
Element | Molar mass (g/mol) |
Density (g/cm³) |
Quotient (cm³/mol) |
---|---|---|---|
chlorine | 35.4527 | 0.003214 | 11030 |
bromine | 79.904 | 3.122 | 25.6 |
iodine | 126.90447 | 4.93 | 25.7 |
calcium | 40.078 | 1.54 | 26.0 |
strontium | 87.62 | 2.64 | 33.2 |
barium | 137.327 | 3.594 | 38.2 |
This was followed by the English chemist John Newlands, who noticed in 1865 that the elements of similar type recurred at intervals of eight, which he likened to the octaves of music, though his law of octaves was ridiculed by his contemporaries. Finally, in 1869, the German Julius Lothar Meyer and the Russian chemistry professor Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev almost simultaneously developed the first periodic table, arranging the elements by mass. However, Mendeleev plotted a few elements out of strict mass sequence in order to make a better match to the properties of their neighbours in the table. He also corrected mistakes in the values of several atomic masses, and predicted the existence and properties of a few new elements in the empty cells of his table. Mendeleev was later vindicated by the discovery of the electronic structure of the elements in the late 19th and early 20th century. The modern table is based on this understanding of the electronic structures.
In 1913, Henry Moseley rearranged the table according to atomic number to improve the observed periodicity in the chemical properties across the table. Todays table uses this ordering by atomic number (number of protons). Mendeleev's and Moseley's development of the periodic table was one of the greatest achievements in modern chemistry. Chemists were able to qualitatively explain the behavior of the elements, and to predict the existence of yet undiscovered ones.
In the 1940s Glenn T. Seaborg identified the transuranic lanthanides and the actinides, which may be placed within the table, or below (see the different possible arrangements below).
Methods for displaying the periodic table
Standard periodic table
Group → | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Period ↓ | ||||||||||||||||||||
1 | 1 H |
2 He | ||||||||||||||||||
2 | 3 Li |
4 Be |
5 B |
6 C |
7 N |
8 O |
9 F |
10 Ne | ||||||||||||
3 | 11 Na |
12 Mg |
13 Al |
14 Si |
15 P |
16 S |
17 Cl |
18 Ar | ||||||||||||
4 | 19 K |
20 Ca |
21 Sc |
22 Ti |
23 V |
24 Cr |
25 Mn |
26 Fe |
27 Co |
28 Ni |
29 Cu |
30 Zn |
31 Ga |
32 Ge |
33 As |
34 Se |
35 Br |
36 Kr | ||
5 | 37 Rb |
38 Sr |
39 Y |
40 Zr |
41 Nb |
42 Mo |
43 Tc |
44 Ru |
45 Rh |
46 Pd |
47 Ag |
48 Cd |
49 In |
50 Sn |
51 Sb |
52 Te |
53 I |
54 Xe | ||
6 | 55 Cs |
56 Ba |
* |
72 Hf |
73 Ta |
74 W |
75 Re |
76 Os |
77 Ir |
78 Pt |
79 Au |
80 Hg |
81 Tl |
82 Pb |
83 Bi |
84 Po |
85 At |
86 Rn | ||
7 | 87 Fr |
88 Ra |
** |
104 Rf |
105 Db |
106 Sg |
107 Bh |
108 Hs |
109 Mt |
110 Ds |
111 Rg |
112 Uub |
113 Uut |
114 Uuq |
115 Uup |
116 Uuh |
117 Uus |
118 Uuo | ||
* Lanthanides | 57 La |
58 Ce |
59 Pr |
60 Nd |
61 Pm |
62 Sm |
63 Eu |
64 Gd |
65 Tb |
66 Dy |
67 Ho |
68 Er |
69 Tm |
70 Yb |
71 Lu | |||||
** Actinides | 89 Ac |
90 Th |
91 Pa |
92 U |
93 Np |
94 Pu |
95 Am |
96 Cm |
97 Bk |
98 Cf |
99 Es |
100 Fm |
101 Md |
102 No |
103 Lr |
Alkali metals | Alkaline earth metals | Lanthanides | Actinides | Transition metals |
Poor metals | Metalloids | Nonmetals | Halogens | Noble gases |
State at standard temperature and pressure
- Elements numbered in red are gases.
- Elements numbered in green are liquids.
- Elements numbered in black are solids.
Natural occurrence
- Elements without borders have not been discovered/synthesized yet.
- Elements with dotted borders do not occur naturally (synthetic elements).
- Elements with dashed borders naturally arise from decay of other chemical elements.
- Elements with solid borders are older than the Earth (primordial elements).
- Note: Although californium (Cf, 98) is not Earth-primordial, it (and its decay products) does occur naturally: its electromagnetic emissions are regularly observed in supernova spectra.
Other depictions
- The standard table (same as above) provides the basics.
- A vertical table for improved readability in web browsers.
- The large table provides the basics plus full element names and atomic masses.
- A table with an inline F-block inserts the lanthanides and actinides back into the table.
- Electron configurations
- Metals and non-metals
- Periodic table filled by blocks
- List of elements by name with atomic number and atomic mass
- List of elements by electronegativity
Structure of the Table
The modern periodic table is arranged so that elements in each column of the table have the same number of valence electrons. Every time a valence shell is filled, a new row is started. Since the more external valence shells can accomodate many more electrons, the lower rows of the table are much wider.
Each element is listed with at least the number of protons in its nucleus (the atomic number) and its element symbol; many versions of the table also include the element's atomic mass and other information, such as its abbreviated electron configuration, electronegativity and most common valence numbers. As of 2005, the table contains 116 chemical elements whose discoveries have been confirmed. 94 are found naturally on Earth, and the rest are synthetic elements that have been produced artificially in laboratories.
The elements were originally arranged by the number of nucleons (approximately atomic mass). Mendeleev shuffled cards with the elements' names and properties until he found a pattern.
Periodicity of chemical properties
The main value of the periodic table is the ability to predict the chemical properties of an element based on its position on the table. Properties, however, vary differently when moving vertically or horizontally.
Groups and periods
A periodic table group, also known as a family, is a vertical column in the periodic table of the elements. A row is instead known as a period. Elements in a group have the same external electronic configurations in their valence shell, which gives them similar properties.
Adding or subtracting an electron from the shell has dramatic consequences for the chemical properties, that can change radically from one element to the next. Therefore, groups are considered the most important way of classifying the elements.
However, properties vary also with periods. This is because, with every new period, a new, full valence shell is added. This results in larger atoms, which can be polarised more easily and can disperse a ionic charge more efficiently. Inside a group, properties tend to vary continuously with the periods, without radical changes.
Examples
Noble gases
All the elements of group 18, the noble gases, have full valence shells. This means they do not need to react with other elements to attain a full shell, and are therefore unreactive, monoatomic gases. Helium is the most inert element among noble gases, since reactivity, in this group, increases with the periods: it is possible to make heavy noble gases react since they have much larger electronic shells. However, their reactivity remains low in absolute terms.
Halogens
In group 17, known as the halogens, elements are missing just one electron to fill their shell. Therefore, in chemical reactions they tend to acquire electrons (this is called electronegativity). This property is most evident for fluorine (the most electronegative element of the whole table), and it diminishes with increasing period.
As a result, all halogens form acids with hydrogen, such as hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid and hydroiodic acid, all in the form HX. Their acidity increases with higher period, since a large I- ion is more stable in solution than a small F-, that has less volume to disperse the charge.
Transition metals
In transition metals (groups from 3 to 12), things are not as clear-cut. The differences between groups are usually not very dramatic, and the reactions can be much more complicated. However, it is still possible to make useful predictions.
Lantanides and actinides
The chemical properties of these elements is even more similar than in transition metals, and separating a mixture of these can be very difficult. This is important in the chemical purification of uranium, important for nuclear power.
Periodic table structure reflects electron configuration
The primary determinant of an element's chemical properties is its electron configuration, particularly the valence shell electrons. For instance, all atoms whose four valence electrons are found on the p shell will behave similarly, regardless of which energy level that last p shell is on. The shell in which the atom's outermost electrons reside determines the "block" to which it belongs. The number of valence shell electrons determines which family, or group, the element belongs.
The total number of electron shells an atom has determines the period to which it belongs. Each shell is divided into different subshells, which as atomic number increases are filled in roughly this order:
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 4s 3d 4p 5s 4d 5p 6s 4f 5d 6p 7s 5f 6d 7p 8s 5g 6f 7d 8p
Hence the structure of the table. Since the outermost electrons determine chemical properties, those with the same number of valence electrons are grouped together.
Progressing through a group from lightest element to heaviest element, the outer-shell electrons (those most readily accessible for participation in chemical reactions) are all in the same type of orbital, with a similar shape, but with increasingly higher energy and average distance from the nucleus. For instance, the outer-shell (or "valence") electrons of the first group, headed by hydrogen all have one electron in an s orbital. In hydrogen, that s orbital is in the lowest possible energy state of any atom, the first-shell orbital (and represented by hydrogen's position in the first period of the table). In francium, the heaviest element of the group, the outer-shell electron is in the seventh-shell orbital, significantly further out on average from the nucleus than those electrons filling all the shells below it in energy. As another example, both carbon and lead have four electrons in their outer shell orbitals.
Because of the importance of the outermost shell, the different regions of the periodic table are sometimes referred to as periodic table blocks, named according to the sub-shell in which the "last" electron resides, e.g. the s-block, the p-block, the d-block, etc.
Further resources
- [1] Scerri, E.R., references to several scholarly articles by this author.
- Mazurs, E.G., "Graphical Representations of the Periodic System During One Hundred Years". University of Alabama Press, Alabama. 1974.
- Bouma, J., "An Application-Oriented Periodic Table of the Elements". J. Chem. Ed., 66 741 (1989).
See also
- Atomic electron configuration table
- Isotope table (complete)
- Isotope table (divided)
- Discoveries of the chemical elements
- Abundance of the chemical elements
- Tom Lehrer's song The Elements
- IUPAC's systematic element names
- Cosmochemical Periodic Table of the Elements in the Solar System
- Table of chemical elements
External links
- "Periodic table (professional edition)". WebElements.
- The IUPAC periodic table
- "Visual Periodic Table". ChemSoc.org.
- Counterman, Craig, "Periodic Table of the Elements : For each of many properties a separate periodic table and a graph showing the relation with the atomic number". MIT Course 3.091.
- Heilman, Chris, "The Pictorial Periodic Table". (Includes alternate styles: Stowe, Benfey, Zmaczynski, Giguere, Tarantola, Filling, Mendeleev)
- "Periodic table". Los Alamos National Laboratory's Chemistry Division.
- Dayah, Michael, "Periodic Table". Large full-color scalable text-only rendering.
- The periodic table for magnetic resonance.
- The Periodic Table of Comic Books - clicking on elements brings up comic book panels dealing with that element.
- The Periodic Table of Haiku - clicking on an element brings up a haiku of its properties.
Standard table | Vertical table | Table with names | Names and atomic masses (large) | Names and atomic masses (small) | Names and atomic masses (text only) | Inline F-block | Elements to 218 | Electron configurations | Metals and non metals | Table by blocks | List of elements by name |
Groups: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 |
Periods: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 |
Series: Alkalis - Alkaline earths - Lanthanides - Actinides - Transition metals - Poor metals - Metalloids - Nonmetals - Halogens - Noble gases |
Blocks: s-block - p-block - d-block - f-block - g-block |
|
General subfields within the Natural sciences |
---|
Astronomy | Biology | Chemistry | Earth science | Ecology | Physics |
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