Frequently
Asked Questions
Why are there series of elements
at the bottom of the Periodic Table?
The elements at the bottom of the periodic table are in group
3 following Lanthanum and Actinium respectively. Those element
were moved to the bottom of the table to allow it to be in
a format that could be printed. Click
here to see the Periodic table with those elements inserted.
Why are there two group numbers
for each of the groups?
The periodic has multiple number formats for numbering the
vertical groups. The Americans and the Europeans both have
different systems for numbering. The tables in this site
use the American system which has the numbers and letters.
Also these tables have a single number at the top of each
column. This method is a compromise proposed by the International
Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).
Why do some elements not have
names? Why do some Periodic Tables have different names
for the elements?
There is some controversy over the naming elements above
92. Due to several groups being involved with the discovery
of some of the newer elements it is not clear who should
be able to name some of the elements. Also, there is an
element named for a living scientist which is traditionally
not done
|