This week, we will take an even deeper look at the periodic table through video and activities. The periodic table is actually pretty amazing! There is so much meaning behind the information that is provided just based on what is on each element square and where each element is located. How exactly is the periodic table organized?
The periodic table handout in class is just one way to present the information on the elements. If you were to conduct an Internet search, you would see a periodic table for organizing a bunch of cool things. However, we will just focus on the real periodic table. Here are pictures of different period tables here, here, and here. Check them out and tell me what you think. How are they alike? How are they not alike?
So far we've talked about the atomic structure and now we are going to see how the atomic structure plays a role in the organization of the periodic table. Mendeleev created the very first period table around 1869 and organized it according to the atomic mass of the elements. However, we will learn that is no longer the case in the organization of the elements. In wasn't until the earlier 1900s that another scientist realized through his own research that the atomic mass didn't determine the organization of the elements. Rather, it was the atomic number that dictated the organization. Upon making a few adjustments to Mendeleev's periodic table the elements were now aligned and scientist noticed that once in groups the elements shared similar properties with one another.
Learning Targets this Week:
- I can explain the different trends on the periodic table.
- I can differentiate between most reactive and least reactive elements.
- I can identify simple bonds between some elements.
