Question

Answer the following two in complete sentences.

a. Mendeleev organized his periodic table of the elements by arranging elements in order of increasing atomic mass and grouping them based on their chemical properties. This was groundbreaking because it led to the discovery of periodicity and allowed for the prediction of undiscovered elements.
b. Mendeleev's periodic table was a groundbreaking achievement because it not only organized the known elements but also left gaps for undiscovered elements. This prediction of missing elements later led to the discovery of new elements and a better understanding of the periodicity of chemical properties.

Answer 1

a. Mendeleev's groundbreaking organization of the periodic table involved arranging elements in order of increasing atomic mass and grouping them based on their chemical properties. This innovative approach led to the discovery of periodicity and enabled scientists to predict the existence of undiscovered elements.

b. Mendeleev's periodic table stands as a landmark achievement because it not only systematized known elements but also introduced a visionary concept by leaving gaps for yet-to-be-discovered elements. This foresight in predicting missing elements became a catalyst for subsequent scientific breakthroughs, leading to the identification and understanding of new elements, ultimately enriching our comprehension of the periodicity of chemical properties.

Step-by-step explanation:

a. Dmitri Mendeleev's significant contribution to chemistry was the development of the periodic table, where he organized elements by increasing atomic mass. By grouping elements with similar chemical properties, Mendeleev identified a periodic pattern, allowing for predictions of the properties of undiscovered elements. This breakthrough laid the foundation for our modern understanding of the periodic table and the relationships between different elements.

b. Mendeleev's genius was evident in his creation of a periodic table that left gaps for elements yet to be discovered. This audacious move demonstrated his belief in the periodicity of elements and paved the way for subsequent researchers to fill those gaps. The subsequent discoveries of elements like gallium and germanium in the predicted locations validated Mendeleev's approach and significantly advanced the field of chemistry, showcasing the power of predictive organization in scientific inquiry.