Using the Periodic Table

In previous years, we focused primarily on using the first 20 elements to understand how the Periodic Table is arranged. From this, we could infer the valency of and ionic charge formed by each element. While this was a good model, it fell down once we got to Sc (#21) and the other Transition Metals.

In this lesson, we were introduced to a more robust model of the atom, and a better way to note electron configurations. The "spdf notation" helps us better explain the properties of the elements.

We also heated some ionic compounds in Bunsen flames, to show that certain elements (and their ions) create very characteristic colours. The electrons move into a much higher Energy Level (excited state), then emit wavelengths of light when they return to their natural Energy Level (ground state).