Atomic StructureDefinitions

Key Definitions

Part of Development of Periodic TableGCSE Chemistry

This definitions covers Key Definitions within Development of Periodic Table for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Development of Periodic Table in Atomic Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 8 of 13 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.

Topic position

Section 8 of 13

Practice

20 questions

Recall

20 flashcards

📖 Key Definitions

Relative atomic mass (Ar): The weighted mean mass of an atom of an element compared to one-twelfth of the mass of a carbon-12 atom. Takes account of the proportions of each isotope present.

Periodic law: The principle that the properties of the elements are a periodic (repeating) function of their atomic number.

Döbereiner's triads: Early grouping of elements into sets of three with similar properties, where the middle element's atomic weight approximated the mean of the other two (1817).

Newlands' octaves: Arrangement of elements by increasing atomic weight in which every eighth element showed similar properties, analogous to musical octaves (1866).

Atomic number: The number of protons in the nucleus — the property used to order elements in the modern periodic table (Moseley, 1913).

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Practice Questions for Development of Periodic Table

John Newlands proposed the Law of Octaves in 1866. What did he notice about the elements?

  • A. Every seventh element had similar properties to the first
  • B. Every eighth element had similar properties to the first
  • C. Elements repeated properties every tenth element
  • D. Elements only showed patterns when arranged by atomic number
1 markfoundation

Give two reasons why Newlands' Law of Octaves was not accepted by the scientific community at the time.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

When were noble gases discovered?
1890s — added as Group 0
How is the modern table arranged?
By atomic number (protons), not atomic weight

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