Here, Eric Scerri looks at the trends in properties of elements that led to the construction of the periodic table, and how the deeper meaning of its structure gradually became apparent with the development of atomic theory and quantum mechanics, so that, as Scerri puts it, one science, physics, arguably came to colonize another, chemistry, although such a view is resisted by chemists. Scerri shows that quantum mechanics is absolutely central to chemistry, as it underlies the behaviour of all of the elements and their compounds, and therefore underpins the structure of the periodic table. Concluding with an overview of the huge variety of periodic tables that have been proposed in the print media and on the Internet, he explores the debated question of whether there is an optimal periodic table and what form it might take. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
By:
Eric R. Scerri (University of California Los Angeles) Imprint: Oxford University Press Country of Publication: United Kingdom Dimensions:
Height: 173mm,
Width: 113mm,
Spine: 9mm
Weight: 130g ISBN:9780199582495 ISBN 10: 0199582491 Series:Very Short Introductions Pages: 144 Publication Date:08 November 2011 Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
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
Reviews for The Periodic Table: A Very Short Introduction
Scerri's writing is lively, engaging, and accessible. Journal of Chemical Education Overall this stylish and snappy book will entertain and enlighten you, and its convenient size means it can do so when you're on the go Chemistry World