The Periodic Table: A Very Short Introduction

Description

Eric R. Scerri presents a modern and fresh exploration of this fundamental topic in the physical sciences, considering the deeper implications of the arrangements of the table to atomic physics and quantum mechanics. This new edition celebrates the completion of the 7th period of the table, with the naming of elements 113, 115, 117, and 118

• 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
• Part of the Very Short Introductions series - over ten million copies sold worldwide

About the Author(s)

Eric R. Scerri, Lecturer in Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles

Eric R. Scerri is a lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the founder and editor-in-chief of Foundations of Chemistry, a journal covering the history and philosophy of chemistry, and chemical education. He has authored over 150 articles in peer-reviewed journals and many articles in popular science magazines, including Scientific American, American Scientist, and Cosmos, among others. His books include A Tale of Seven Elements, (Oxford University Press, 2013) and A Tale of Seven Scientists and A New Philosophy of Science, (Oxford University Press, 2016). Further information about the author can be found at www.ericscerri.com

Table of Contents

1:Introduction
2:Atomic weight, Triads and Prout
3:Steps towards the periodic table
4:Triumph of a Russian genius
5:The impact of the new physics
6:How the electron explains the periodic table
7:How chemists reacted
8:Quantum Mechanics makes further advances
9:Forged in the stars
10:Back to chemistry
11:Why so many tables? Which is best?
Further reading
Index

Reviews

"In the 150 years since Mendeleev unveiled his periodic table, much has been written about chemistry's iconic organizing system. But for a concise and up-to-the-moment summary of the table's origins, significance and continuing growth, Eric Scerri's introduction can't be bettered." - Philip Ball, science writer and author

"A masterful and readable account of an iconic symbol of science." - John Emsley, chemist and popular science writer

"The Periodic Table: A Very Short Introduction, is an excellent choice for the chemistry teacher. It is an easy and quick read and offers considerable information both in history and background that can be helpful to your teaching of this aspect of chemistry." - Chem13 News Magazine