The periodic table organizes the chemical elements according to increasing atomic number, grouped by recurring or periodic properties. All periodic tables include the symbol, atomic number and atomic weight for each element. Some tables also include photographs of the elements. The truly amazing tables are the ones that include real specimens of the elements, so you experience them firsthand. Have you ever seen a "real" periodic table like this? One such table may be found at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The table marks the entrance to the Welch Chemistry Hall at the museum. It showcases many of the elements, plus you can gain additional facts about the elements and chemistry.
Do you know of other locations that offer a real periodic table? If so, be sure to post a response.
Photo: Snapshot of a portion of the periodic table at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. (Anne Helmenstine)
Comments
that is an excellent idea thanks Dr. anne
I saw a while back a unique periodic table poster that looked more like the solar system , it was designed so yu could see a more accurate interpretation of how the elements are chategorized sort of – any links for that tried but can’t see it thanks or – or – was that found to be either too confusing or wrong?
There is a Real Periodic Table of the Elements in the Science Building of Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. The table is in the hallway of the Chemistry and Physics floor and open for easy public viewing.
here is the link to one of many cool different periodic tables which possible could aide in a betterunderstanding and or combined with a “regular” one http://spiralperiodictable.com/
FAB! DR. ANNE. SEE IF U COULD FIND OTHER INTERESTING STUFF. I TRIED, BUT DIDN’T FIND ANY LINK.
There’s a place called Scitech in Perth and they have a real periodic table. It does have a few gases and synthetic elements missin.