Chapter 19

The Disappearing Spoon Chapter 19

Summary

     In the last chapter, it introduces the rarest element known on Earth, astatine. The next rarest element in francium, which can be explained through a long set of decayed elements and probabilities. After scientists were playing with heavy elements and stability, they came up with the idea of the “island of stability.” However, this theory basically rests on francium and now to stabilize the nuclei of elements. Based on this theory, scientists have been able to fill in the last rows of the periodic table with hypothesized elements all dealing with latin and other names that scientist considered normal to them.

     Then the question to many scientists was the limits of the periodic table. The chapter then moves into how the periodic table is set up including future changes that might happen with the discovery of other matter and quantum dots. Over the years there have been hundreds of ways of organizing the periodic table but all go back to one, the original used by Bohr. Lastly, the author mentioned how we might one day make a new, re-designed, and impressive periodic table in the future that would even surprise Aliens. 

Reflection

    One interesting thing about this chapter is about Francium chemical Property of storing a lot of electrons and still be stable. But what is more impressive is the fact on how little there is on Francium on earth and if there was a small physical portion of it, it would kill the scientists near it. But for now, we stick with other elements that we prefer to kill each other with like uranium. 

Guideline Questions

1. Because francium is the second most rarest element on earth.

2. Strong nuclear force and the electrostatic force. Nuclear force is responsible for radiation. 

3. The reason that somehow heavy isotopes will help extend the periodic table.

4. The reason why we could never go beyond 137 on the periodic table is because with 137 protons, it would be going faster than the speed of light, which can obviously never happen.

5. If there was one I had to choose from many, it's the table meant for physicists. It is placed in a 3D-ish angle that allows the person to see where they lay above and below each other with a sense that columns and periods are still there. In addition, it contains the energy levels of the elements and quantum structure.
At the moment I would like to keep the periodic as it is because its easier to understand and I am barely learning all of the order in which they go. But I might have some second thoughts as I get into college.