Chapter 6, Problem 27A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Effect of the discovery of Gallium on the acceptance of the Mendeleev periodic table is to be determined.

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 27A

Wider adoption of Mendeleev's periodic table was assisted by the excellent correlation between the expected and actual properties of gallium.

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.

In his table, for instance, he projected the qualities of an unknown element that should fall below aluminum. The properties of this element, known as gallium, were found to be rather close to Mendeleev's predictions when it was discovered in 1875.

Thus, wider adoption of Mendeleev's periodic table was assisted by the excellent correlation between the expected and actual properties of gallium.