Interpreting the Periodic Table Lab Matthew Figueroa Thairy Garcia Pamela Grullon Edwin Velez January 5, 2015 Introduction In this lab, the main idea we are surrounding is "what is the periodic table?" and "why is it organized in the matter it currently is in?" In order to understand the experiment, the first piece of background knowledge one must know is what an element is. An element is a substance which cannot be broken down into a simpler matter. Elements are made of subatomic particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus of the atom, while electrons are found in clouds surrounding the nucleus, called electron clouds. The charges in each subatomic particle differ, as protons are positive, …show more content…
Activity 1 In activity 1, we observed eight different elements (calcium, aluminium, carbon, copper, iron, magnesium, sulfur, silicon). We classified them by feeling them and seeing them. We then classified them and put them in groups, to get an idea of how the elements are organized. This activity allowed us to do so on our own, so we are able to get a feel how the elements were actually organized in the table. Activity 2 Activity 2 consisted of actually analyzing the periodic table. We set up the periodic table and we then organized five different trends of the elements. We ordered them by their Atomic Radius, Melting Point, Electronegativity, Electron Affinity, and 1st Ionization Energy. In doing so, we were able to understand just why the periodic table is how it is today, and that it is not just the different elements ordered by atomic number, there is way more to it than just that. Activity …show more content…
Analysis While analyzing the graphs I noticed they all had a common trend. They would steadily increase and then drop suddenly at the beginning of a new period. This trend seemed to be a common trend in all of the graphs except with atomic radius. V. Discussion of Validity For Part A mistakes that we could have been made include simple human error. For example, deciphering between colors. For calcium we recorded as grey when it could also be silver or bluish grey. When dealing with the calcium we were torn between silver and grey because silver is an element but grey is the actual color. Also when feeling the elements, the texture of the objects depending on which member of our group felt it can change. Something Matthew felt as rough can be smooth according to Thairy. To eliminate this kind of error you can have a specific color palate to be easier to decipher between the elements. For Part B possible errors that could have been made include not putting the element in the right order according to the modern periodic table. The data could be falsely changed to the numbers because sequence was very important in this part of the lab. It could change of trend patterns from steadily increasing or sporadically changing. To eliminate this kind of error you can double check that the cards are in order or pay very close attention when you are setting it