Question

What are the merits of Mendeleeff's periodic table?

Short answer

Answer: Some merits of Mendeleev's periodic table include its ability to predict the existence and properties of undiscovered elements, allowing chemists to study elements systematically, providing a classification of elements into groups and periods, identifying trends in properties of elements, and serving as the foundation for the development of the modern periodic table.

Step-by-step solution

1. Understanding Mendeleev's Periodic Table

Mendeleev's periodic table is an arrangement of chemical elements in a table format, mainly based on their atomic masses. The table is organized in such a way that elements with similar chemical and physical properties are placed in the same vertical column or group. Mendeleev's periodic table helped to establish a systematic approach to the study of elements and their properties.

2. Merit: Periodic Law Prediction

One major merit of Mendeleev's periodic table is its ability to predict the existence and properties of undiscovered elements. Mendeleev left gaps in his table for elements that were not yet discovered. The properties of these unknown elements could be predicted based on the trends observed in their respective groups. Several elements, such as gallium, scandium and germanium, were discovered later, and their properties closely matched Mendeleev's predictions.

3. Merit: Systematic Study of Elements

Mendeleev's periodic table allowed chemists to study elements in a systematic manner. The arrangement of elements based on their atomic masses and chemical properties made it easier for researchers to understand and compare the properties of different elements. It also facilitated the development of a structured approach to chemical reactions and bonding.

4. Merit: Classification of Elements

Mendeleev's periodic table provided a classification of elements into different groups and periods. This classification allowed chemists to identify trends in the properties of elements, such as ionization energy, electronegativity, or atomic radius, which occur periodically across the table. These trends still play a crucial role in predicting the properties and behavior of elements in various chemical reactions.

5. Merit: Foundation for Modern Periodic Table

Mendeleev's periodic table served as the foundation for the development of the modern periodic table. Although the modern periodic table is based on the atomic number of elements instead of atomic masses, Mendeleev's work laid the groundwork for understanding the periodicity of elements and provided the basic structure for organizing them.