The periodic table : a very short introduction / Eric R. Scerri.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Scerri, Eric R., author.

Series:

Very short introductions 289.

Very short introductions, 289

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Periodic table of the elements.

Chemical elements.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xx, 147 pages) : illustrations.

Place of Publication:

Oxford : Oxford University Press, c2011

Summary:

"The periodic table is an iconic symbol of science, and an understanding of it is essential to the physical sciences. In this volume the author presents an exploration of the periodic table in the physical sciences, considering the deeper implications of the arrangements of the table to atomic physics and quantum mechanics. He shows how this scientific knowledge about the elements was gained and considers its wider meaning. He introduces the significant figures in the development of the periodic table, as well as key ideas about early atomic theory and quantum mechanics. Also considered is the debated question of whether there is an optimal periodic table, and if so, what form it might take." -- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

The elements

A quick overview of the modern periodic table

Atomic weight, triads, and Prout

Steps toward the periodic table

The Russian genius, Mendeleev

Physics invades the periodic table

Electronic structure

Quantum mechanics

Modern alchemy: from missing elements to synthetic elements

Forms of the periodic table.

Notes:

Originally published: 2007.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

0-19-161792-X