Chapter 6, Problem 27A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason of giving credit to Mendeleev for the periodic table but not to Lothar Meyer needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Lothar Meyer in 1869 pointed out that there is a definite relationship between physical properties of the elements and their atomic masses. These are rather, a periodic function of their atomic masses which means that these properties get repeated after a definite gap of the atomic mass.

Answer to Problem 27A

The theory of Mendeleev on constructing periodic table is published first. So, the credit of the periodic table is given to him.

Explanation of Solution

Both Mendeleev and Meyer working on the arrangement of elements on the basis of atomic mass, but Mendeleev was the first to publish his theory which proposed a connection between atomic mass and the elemental properties. So, he was given credit for periodic table and not Meyer.

Conclusion

Meyer’s theory of periodic table is published later than Mendeleev. So, Meyer was not given credit for the periodic table.