A Futuristic Periodic Table
The year is 2068 and a the spacecraft SS-VILLWAR has landed on the moon Triton in the Neptune lunar system. Scientists at the landing site discovered ten new elements. Using an atomic mass spectrograph their atomic masses were easily determined. Upon determination each sample was given a number and assigned a name and an element symbol. Density, melting point and oxide formula was also determined which helped in predicting the element's valence. Your assignment is to place these newly discovered elements in a 4 x 3 matrix or array and deduce where this matrix is to be positioned on our Periodic Table.
NOTE: Only ten elements where discovered yet the matrix has space for twelve elements; two were not discovered at this landing site.
The picture on the left shows the approach of SS-VILLWAR to the moon and the right picture shows the LZ minutes before touchdown. All pictures taken by First Science Officer Giudo "Buzz" Villella.
Element information to be obtained by clicking the Photo shown below
Analysis and Questions
- Of the properties listed for each element, which are physical properties and which are chemical properties?
- A close examination of the elements shows that certain elements exhibit similar properties. Organize the elements into a 4 X 3 matrix where the columns show the similar characteristics.
If you are unsure of what is asked Click Here for additional assistance.
- On a sheet of graph paper, plot the density values for each element versus the assigned number (1 to 10). Connect the points. Leave gaps where missing data occurs
- What do you notice about the pattern of your graph?
- Using the graph predict the density of the missing two elements.
- Draw a similar graph for the melting points of the elements
- What do you notice about the pattern of the graph?
- Use the graph to predict the melting points of the missing elements.
- The following questions can be summarized in the chart below. A chart is needed for each missing, undiscovered element
- Predict the atomic mass of the two missing elements.
- What do you think the colour is of these two missing elements? Give reasons.
- What are the formulae of the oxides of these missing elements?
Give a name for the oxide? Is it uni or divalent?
- Which compounds will these elements react with? C1, C2, C3, and C4?
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Lastly, position the matrix on our Periodic Table. If these ten elements are to be included in our Periodic Table, were would they be placed? More directions are given in the Matrix structure example
| Name of Element |
Your choice goes here
|
| Symbol of Element
|
Must fit with the name
|
| Atomic mass
|
*
|
| Density
|
*
|
| Colour
|
*
|
| Melting point
|
*
|
Formula of oxide
Name of oxide
|
*
|
| Reaction with C1
|
*
|
| Reaction with C2
|
*
|
| Reaction with C3
|
*
|
| Reaction with C4
|
*
|
.