Chapter 6, Problem 26A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

It is to be explained why Mendeleev leaves spaces in this periodic table.

Concept Introduction :

The periodic table is a columnar structure that organizes different elements into groups based on how they behave. The most important contribution to the early development of the periodic table was provided by the Russian physicist Mendeleev. Of all the periodic tables that were produced, the Mendeleev periodic table was the most important.

Answer to Problem 26A

For placing the elements that weren't yet discovered.

Explanation of Solution

In Mendeleev's periodic table, the order of the elements was determined by their atomic masses. Only 63 elements were known at the time of Mendeleev's work. Mendeleev discovered a periodic relationship between the qualities of elements and atomic mass. He organized the elements according to increasing atomic mass.

Mendeleev left spaces in his table for elements that weren't yet discovered. He may also anticipate the characteristics of these unknown elements by examining the chemical and physical characteristics of the elements close to a gap.