Cracks in the Periodic Table Reading Assignment:

1. Identify the main idea of the text. The main idea that was presented in the
text focuses on whether or not the periodic table will still have the
functionality as it was initially conceived by Mendeleev and eventually
improved upon by other notable scientists after him, with the ever-growing
additions of other elements, specifically the synthesis of super-heavy metals
which will make the periodic table lose its intended purpose of periodicity and
predictability of the elements chemical properties and behaviour.
2. How has the periodic table changed from the time it was created? The
periodic table has since evolved dramatically since its inception, from
Mendeleevs original design showcasing the properties of elements recurring
at regular intervals when arranged according to increasing atomic mass, to
the refinement that took place after Moselys conclusion that periodic trends
are better explained if elements are arranged according to increasing atomic
number, finally to the current arrangement with the concept of Bohrs
electron energy levels. But it doesnt stop there, as more elements are being
synthesized and will eventually occupy a designated place in the periodic
table, as was shown in the article, i.e. Charles Janets new form of the
periodic table.
3. With the super-heavy metals being created, how is the periodic table
expected to change? With the synthesis of new super-heavy metals, the
periodic table has taken a new form as mentioned above. It starts with the
exchange of placements of Lanthanum-Actinium and Lawrencium-Lutetium
respectively, from d-block to f-block, which means Lu and Lr now share the
same family as Sc and Y. Moreover, the addition of new super-heavy metals
will push the number of columns to 50.
4. What new kinds of orbitals are expected to show up once more super-heavy
metals are created? Once new super-heavy metals are created, G-type
orbitals are expected to show up.
5. Recognize bias in the article and give an example.
One example of bias in the article is the statement where it says that when
the number of protons become too large, nuclei will not form, even for a
fleeting instant. For what its worth, this statement needs a concrete
evidence to be considered a fact.

6. Do you think the periodic table would be manageable in the future after the
creation of super- heavy metals? I believe that the periodic table would still
be manageable as far as Element 170, as some experts have emphasized.
7. Would you expect gold and xenon to react? What happened in Pyykks
experiment?
Xenon, although inert, bonded with gold. Pyykks other successful
experiments also consisted of triple bonds between gold and carbon and a
spherical molecule of one atom of tungsten and 12 atoms of gold resembling
the all-carbon fullerenes.
8. Suggest a model that would better organize the growing periodic table.
The best model to date, that would better organize and accommodate the
growing periodic table, is the Janet left-step table named after Charles Janet.