Understanding the Elements of the Periodic Table

The Lanthanides and Actinides are an intriguing mix of naturally occurring and man-made elements. This book introduces the reader to these engrossing elements, taking an in-depth look at their properties and myriad uses. Scientists are still finding uses for some of the lanthanides and actinides, and readers are taken right into the lab to see some interesting potential future uses.

Readers will enter the strange and mysterious world of the trans actinides, which have atomic numbers of 104 and higher. They are the largest and heaviest of all the elements. Because of this, they are sometimes called the super-heavy elements. Unlike most of the other elements, the trans actinides do not exist in nature but are, with great difficulty, created in the lab. Even more odd, they only exist for a few seconds at most before falling apart. In essence, these are elements that are in the process of being discovered and explored, a scientific mystery that is being solved as we speak, before our eyes. Students will peer over the shoulders of researchers as they try to create and probe these super-heavy elements.

As essential as oxygen is for our bodies, it's also vital to our atmosphere, the Earth's crust, and for the creation of water. Luckily, for us, it's one of the most abundant elements in the world. The other elements that make up the Oxygen Family on the Periodic Table of Elements-sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and polonium-each play a crucial role in our lives. Readers will be introduced to the Oxygen Family and learn how these elements are connected, found, used, and structured.

The Halogen elements are among the most reactive on the periodic table-and in their natural forms, they are highly poisonous. Halogens are used for a variety of purposes, including the sterilization of water and making disinfectants. This book chronicles the efforts of brave scientists to discover and isolate these elements, examines compounds formed by halogens, and takes a close look at their atomic structure.

The majority of elements on the Periodic Table are able to mingle with other, thereby forming molecules, mixtures, compounds, and new substances. Some elements, however, are "unreactive" and don't mix easily with other elements. In this latter category fall the Noble Gases, so-called because they show an almost aristocratic reserve, standing at a remove from other elements. Readers will learn that while aloof, the noble gases have many practical uses-including in lasers, blimps, hot air balloons, colorful illuminated signage, incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent lights, arc welding, window insulation, flash bulbs, strobe lights, and cancer treatment.