The Periodic Table: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) 2nd Edition

Description

The periodic table of elements, first encountered by many of us at school, provides an arrangement of the chemical elements, ordered by their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties, and divided into periodic trends. In this Very Short Introduction Eric R. Scerri looks at the trends in properties of elements that led to the construction of the table, and shows how the deeper meaning of the table's structure gradually became apparent with the development of atomic theory and, in particular, quantum mechanics, which underlies the behaviour of all of the elements and their compounds. This new edition, publishing in the International Year of the Periodic Table, celebrates the completion of the seventh period of the table, with the ratification and naming of elements 113, 115, 117, and 118 as nihonium, moscovium, tennessine, and oganesson. Eric R. Scerri also incorporates new material on recent advances in our understanding of the origin of the elements, as well as developments concerning group three of the periodic table. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. Considers the fundamental nature of the periodic table to the physical sciences Celebrates the completion of the seventh period of the table, with the ratification and naming of elements 113, 115, 117 and 118 as nihonium, moscovium, tennessine and oganesson Incorporates new material on recent advances in our understanding of the origin of the elements Considers developments since the first edition concerning group three of the periodic table Touches on key ideas about both early atomic theory and quantum mechanics, showing how they have proved key to the meaning of the table Explores the history of the discovery of trends among elements, the construction of various forms of the table, and the growth of understanding of its meaning List of illustrations 1 The elements 2 A quick overview of the modern periodic table 3 Atomic weight, triads, and Prout 4 Steps towards the periodic table 5 The Russian genius: Mendeleev 6 Physics invades the periodic table 7 Electronic structure 8 Quantum mechanics 9 Modern alchemy: from missing elements to synthetic elements 10 Forms of the periodic table Further reading Index