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Dmitri Mendeleev, a Russian chemist, first observed that when the elements were arranged according to increasing atomic mass, their properties repeated in a periodic manner. Hence the name "periodic table." The modern periodic table has the elements arranged by increasing atomic number (number of protons) so that elements having similar properties are in the same column. These columns are called groups (or families) and many of them have names. For example, the elements in the first column all react quickly with water to produce an alkaline (or basic) product. For this reason the elements in this group are called alkali metals.

The purpose of this week's assignment is to learn about an element. Pick one that has 12 or more protons. Below are three links to interactive periodic tables that have a variety of information about each element. Collect some information about your chosen element and answer the questions below.

Here is an example of the type of information you might learn about an element: Rhodium, Rh, has 45 protons. It is a silvery-white transition metal that was discovered by William Hyde Wollaston in 1803. Rhodium is mostly used as a component of alloys of platinum and palladium to increase their hardness. In addition, optical instruments and some jewelry are electroplated with rhodium because it forms an extremely hard coating that is highly resistant to corrosion. The annual production of rhodium is only 7-8 tons per year and is obtained as a byproduct of nickel mining (Canada) and platinum mining (South America). The density of Rh is 12.4 g/cm³. I calculate that 1.0 kilogram of Rh occupies 81 cubic centimeters. Pure rhodium costs $13,000/100 g, so I calculate that 1.0 pound of Rh costs $59,000!

Periodic table by the Los Alamos National Laboratories

Periodic table by the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
This has information on the elements as well as some games.

David D. Hsu's periodic table

What is the symbol of your element? How many protons does it have?
(Remember to choose an element with 12 or more protons.)

Tell me about your element. You might include historical information, a physical description, a statement of its use(s), or other interesting information.

Calculate the volume occupied by 1.0 kilogram of your element.

Determine the cost of 1.0 pound of your element.