Posted: Jul 19, 2013 11:01 am
trubble76 wrote:Arthur Methoxy wrote:trubble76 wrote:Is there an objective to the neutron-based periodic table or are you addressing it out of curiosity only? (not a bad thing)
Yes, the objective is twofold.
First, to loosen the conceptual hold that traditional teaching may have over us in its depiction of chemistry, the elements and of a non-negotiable periodic table.
Second, to offer the suggestion that the idea of chemistry and the elements is dependent on pragmatic considerations.
For example, the school-taught, standard, description of the proton-electron based periodic table and the chemistry of its elements is useful in the temperature range from near-absolute zero to about 4000 degrees.
Chemistry is a description of the behaviour of atomic particles, and that description will change with higher temperatures and pressures. Once we get to higher temperatures (in the millions) we find neutron chemistry taking over, with electrons playing an insignificant role. The periodic table based on neutron chemistry will be different to that based on standard proton-electron chemistry.
I still don't see the point. Academically, I can't argue with you but practically the current education standards and periodic table seem to be fit for purpose whereas you tell us your proposed upgrade only finds utility in extreme boundary conditions.
The chemistry of elements in the standard, proton-based periodic table has no significance in environments like the Sun. In the Sun we have neutron chemistry. This is well-known and documented in standard astronomical text-books. I'm not offering anything new, just pointing out that we can build a new periodic table based on old facts, one that is better suited to us.