Legs! Legs! Legs! (The Periodic Table) | Stuff You Should Know

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts dive into the fascinating world of the periodic table. They acknowledge the complexity of the subject and their own limitations in fully comprehending it. With the help of Livya, they explore the historical context, the contributions of scientists like John Dalton and Dimitri Mendeleev, and the organization of the modern periodic table. They also discuss the impact of quantum mechanics on our understanding of atoms and the discovery of new elements. Join the hosts as they navigate the periodic table and uncover its secrets.

Main Takeaways

History and Construction of the Periodic Table

• The periodic table’s construction began with the Aristotelian system and the concept of four elements: fire, earth, water, and air.
• John Dalton proposed the concept of atoms as indivisible particles with unique masses for each element.
• Early scientists used primitive methods to analyze elements, while modern methods like spectrometry and particle accelerators are used today.
• John Dalton and Johann Wolfgang noticed patterns and similarities among elements, leading to the organization of elements based on atomic weight and properties.
• Dimitri Mendeleev’s periodic table filled gaps with predicted elements, and his model became the classic periodic table used today.

Organization and Properties of the Periodic Table

• The periodic table is arranged by atomic number, not atomic mass.
• Elements in a row (period) have the same number of electron shells, while elements in a column (group) have the same number of electrons in the outermost shell.
• The outermost shell determines an atom’s reactivity and physical properties.
• Chemists can predict an element’s behavior and appearance based on its position on the periodic table.
• The periodic table provides detailed information about an element’s properties and allows chemists to understand how elements can be combined.

Quantum Mechanics and the Periodic Table

• Quantum mechanics influenced the organization of the periodic table, revealing that electrons are waves of energy attracted to the nucleus.
• Electrons do not orbit in tight circles but instead inhabit three-dimensional areas with predictable shapes.
• The energy of an electron determines its location around the nucleus, with the outermost electron being the most energetic.
• The understanding of the atom has evolved with the addition of quantum mechanics.
• Alternative periodic table designs, such as a spiral or 3D version, offer different perspectives on the elements.

Discoveries and Naming of New Elements

• Scientists have discovered new elements beyond uranium using particle accelerators.
• Lab-created elements have extremely short lifespans and are currently useless to us.
• The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) has rules for naming new elements.
• Yuri Oganessian, a Russian element hunter, has discovered some of the most recent elements added to the periodic table.
• There are still gaps and debates in the periodic table’s framework, with alternative tables proposed over the years.

Summary

History and Construction of the Periodic Table

The hosts begin by discussing the historical context of the periodic table’s construction, starting with the Aristotelian system and the concept of four elements. They highlight John Dalton’s proposal of atoms as indivisible particles and the primitive methods early scientists used to analyze elements. They also mention the contributions of Johann Wolfgang and Dimitri Mendeleev in organizing elements based on patterns and properties.

Organization and Properties of the Periodic Table

The hosts explain that the periodic table is arranged by atomic number, with elements in a row having the same number of electron shells and elements in a column having the same number of electrons in the outermost shell. They emphasize the role of the outermost shell in determining an atom’s reactivity and physical properties. The hosts also discuss how chemists can predict an element’s behavior and appearance based on its position on the periodic table.

Quantum Mechanics and the Periodic Table

Delving into quantum mechanics, the hosts describe how it influenced the organization of the periodic table. They explain that electrons are waves of energy attracted to the nucleus and do not orbit in tight circles. Instead, they inhabit three-dimensional areas with predictable shapes. The hosts highlight the impact of quantum mechanics on our understanding of the atom and mention alternative periodic table designs that offer different perspectives on the elements.

Discoveries and Naming of New Elements

The hosts discuss the discovery of new elements beyond uranium using particle accelerators. They mention that lab-created elements have extremely short lifespans and are currently of little use. They also explain the naming process for new elements, which follows the guidelines set by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). The hosts mention Yuri Oganessian, a Russian element hunter, and his contributions to the periodic table. They conclude by acknowledging the ongoing debates and gaps in the periodic table’s framework.

Conclusion

The periodic table is a remarkable tool that allows us to understand the properties and behaviors of elements. It has a rich history, from its early beginnings to the contributions of scientists like John Dalton, Johann Wolfgang, and Dimitri Mendeleev. Quantum mechanics has further expanded our understanding of atoms and influenced the organization of the periodic table. The discovery of new elements continues to push the boundaries of our knowledge. The periodic table remains a fundamental resource for chemists and scientists, providing valuable insights into the building blocks of the universe.