Scerri, Eric (2009) The Dual Sense of the Term “Element, Attempts to Derive the Madelung Rule and the Optimal Form of the Periodic Table, if any. [Preprint]

Text 94. IJQC dep. pdf.pdf Download (357kB)

Abstract

This article concerns various foundational aspects of the periodic system of the elements. These issues include the dual nature of the concept of an
“element” to include element as a “basic substance” and as a “simple substance.” We will discuss the question of whether there is an optimal form of the periodic table, including whether the left-step table fulfills this role. We will also discuss the derivation or explanation of the [n � � , n] or Madelung rule for electron-shell filling and whether indeed it is important to attempt to derive this rule from first principles. In particular, we examine the views of two chemists, Henry Bent and Eugen Schwarz, who have independently addressed many of these issues.

---

Export/Citation:

EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL

Social Networking:

Share |

---

Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Scerri, Eric scerri@chem.ucla.edu 0000-0001-9775-5829
Keywords:	reduction; elements; periodic table; Madelung rule; left-step table
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Chemistry General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science General Issues > Natural Kinds Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Reductionism/Holism General Issues > Rhetoric of Science General Issues > Science Education
Depositing User:	Eric Scerri
Date Deposited:	11 Feb 2025 14:29
Last Modified:	11 Feb 2025 14:29
Item ID:	24722
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Chemistry General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science General Issues > Natural Kinds Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Reductionism/Holism General Issues > Rhetoric of Science General Issues > Science Education
Date:	2009
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/24722

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item