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.

About the Author
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

Reviews
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 *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198842323
Author Eric R. Scerri
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 141g
Dimensions(mm) 174mm * 112mm * 9mm