By David Constantine
Oct. 24, 2006
Nearly 140 years after the periodic table was introduced, new elements are still being discovered, including one just last week. Numerous redesigns of the table have been proposed: arranging it in triangles, diamonds, spirals, parallel planes and even 3D models. But none have gained the popularity of the traditional table. The most common rearrangement, a spiral, tries to illustrate hydrogen's relationship to multiple elements and to integrate a block of elements known as lanthanons and actinons. The design below, by Jeff Moran of Woodstock, N.Y., serves as the basis of an interactive Web-based program that allows users to explore the elements and their interplay.
TABLE VS. SPIRAL Both are organized by each element's atomic number and into three groupings called blocks, groups and periods.
In the periodic table, one square equals one element. Reading order: Start: Left to right, top to bottom
Blocks 4 groupings (colors) by elements' outermost electron shell configuration.
Groups 18 groupings according to elements' chemical reactivity.
Periods 7 groupings (K-Q) of elements with the same number of electron shells
In the periodic spiral, one hexagon equals one element.
Reading order: Start: From center, spiral out clockwise.
Blocks 4 groupings (colors) by elements' outermost electron shell configuration.
Groups 18 groupings according to elements' chemical reactivity: Numbered diagonals toward center
Periods 7 groupings (K-Q) of elements with the same number of electron shells: Each spiral is a period.
THE PERIODIC SPIRAL
Diagram highlights the following: Ununoctium -- discovery reported last week Element symbol (neon) Atomic number number of protons in nucleus) HYDROGEN, HELIUM, ALKALI METALS AND ALKALINE EARTH METALS OTHER METALS, METALLOIDS AND NONMETALS TRANSITION METALS
EARLY SPIRAL DESIGNS are highlighted by: Edgar Longman, 1951 O. Theodor Benfey,
(Sources by Jeff Moran, Electric Prism Inc.; Dr. Mark R. Leach, www.meta-synthesis.com; Philip Stewart)
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