![]() ![]() Were it not for the simplification provided by this chart, students of chemistry would need to learn the properties of all 112 known elements. The term “periodic” reflects the fact that the elements show patterns in their chemical properties in certain regular intervals. Remarkably, the periodic table is thus notable both for its historical roots and for its modern relevance. ![]() In some instances, new findings initially appeared to call into question the theoretical foundations of the periodic table, but each time scientists eventually managed to incorporate the results while preserving the table’s fundamental structure. But despite the dramatic changes that have taken place in science over the past century-namely, the development of the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics-there has been no revolution in the basic nature of the periodic system. Throughout its long history, the periodic table has been disputed, altered and improved as science has progressed and as new elements have been discovered. The story of the periodic system for classifying the elements can be traced back over 200 years. Indeed, nothing quite like it exists in the other disciplines of science. A version hangs on the wall of nearly every chemical laboratory and lecture hall in the world. The periodic table of the elements is one of the most powerful icons in science: a single document that consolidates much of our knowledge of chemistry. The complete version with artwork is available for purchase here (PDF). Editor's note: The following is a text-only version. ![]()
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