
The Periodic Table
A Very Short Introduction
Eric R. Scerri(Author)
Oxford University Press
2nd Edition
Published on 25. July 2019
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-0-19-884232-3 (ISBN)
Description
The periodic table of elements, first encountered by many of us at school, provides an arrangement of the chemical elements, ordered by their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties, and divided into periodic trends. In this Very Short Introduction Eric R. Scerri looks at the trends in properties of elements that led to the construction of the table, and shows how the deeper meaning of the table's structure gradually became apparent with the development of atomic theory and, in particular, quantum mechanics, which underlies the behaviour of all of the elements and their compounds.
This new edition, publishing in the International Year of the Periodic Table, celebrates the completion of the seventh period of the table, with the ratification and naming of elements 113, 115, 117, and 118 as nihonium, moscovium, tennessine, and oganesson. Eric R. Scerri also incorporates new material on recent advances in our understanding of the origin of the elements, as well as developments concerning group three of the periodic table.
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.
This new edition, publishing in the International Year of the Periodic Table, celebrates the completion of the seventh period of the table, with the ratification and naming of elements 113, 115, 117, and 118 as nihonium, moscovium, tennessine, and oganesson. Eric R. Scerri also incorporates new material on recent advances in our understanding of the origin of the elements, as well as developments concerning group three of the periodic table.
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.
Reviews / Votes
In the 150 years since Mendeleev unveiled his periodic table, much has been written about chemistry's iconic organizing system. But for a concise and up-to-the-moment summary of the table's origins, significance and continuing growth, Eric Scerri's introduction can't be bettered. * Philip Ball, science writer and author * A masterful and readable account of an iconic symbol of science. * John Emsley, chemist and popular science writer * The Periodic Table: A Very Short Introduction, is an excellent choice for the chemistry teacher. It is an easy and quick read and offers considerable information both in history and background that can be helpful to your teaching of this aspect of chemistry. * Chem13 News Magazine *More details
Series
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Edition type
Revised edition
Illustrations
15 black and white line drawings
Dimensions
Height: 175 mm
Width: 108 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
142 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-884232-3 (9780198842323)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
07/2019
2nd Edition
OUP eBook
€9.49
Available for download

E-Book
07/2019
2nd Edition
OUP eBook
€9.49
Available for download
Previous edition

Book
10/2011
Oxford University Press
€11.15
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
Eric R. Scerri is a lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the founder and editor-in-chief of Foundations of Chemistry, a journal covering the history and philosophy of chemistry, and chemical education. He has authored over 150 articles in peer-reviewed journals and many articles in popular science magazines, including Scientific American, American Scientist, and Cosmos, among others. His books include A Tale of Seven Elements, (Oxford University Press, 2013) and A Tale of Seven Scientists and A New Philosophy of Science, (Oxford University Press, 2016). Further information about the author can be found at www.ericscerri.com
Content
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
Index
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
Index