What is the bottom number of the periodic table? This question may seem trivial at first glance, but it holds a significant place in the history of chemistry and our understanding of the elements. The periodic table is a fundamental tool in chemistry, organized in a way that allows scientists to predict the properties of elements based on their atomic number. The bottom of the periodic table represents the most recently discovered elements, and it has been a subject of intense research and debate over the years.
The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of chemical elements, organized on the basis of their atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. It was first introduced by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869, and since then, it has been continuously updated to include new elements discovered through scientific research. The periodic table is divided into several blocks, including the s-block, p-block, d-block, and f-block, each with its own set of characteristics and properties.
The bottom number of the periodic table refers to the atomic number of the last element listed in the table. As of now, the bottom number is 118, which corresponds to the element Oganesson (Og). Oganesson was officially recognized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) in 2016 after extensive research and verification. This discovery marked the completion of the seventh period of the periodic table, which contains 32 elements.
The journey to discovering the bottom number of the periodic table has been a long and challenging one. For many years, scientists believed that the periodic table would eventually end at element 118, as it would be the last element that could be synthesized in a laboratory setting. However, recent advancements in nuclear physics have allowed scientists to synthesize heavier elements beyond this limit. These new elements, such as those with atomic numbers 114, 116, and 118, have been created through the fusion of lighter elements, using particle accelerators and other high-tech equipment.
The discovery of these new elements has not only expanded the bottom number of the periodic table but also provided valuable insights into the fundamental forces that govern the universe. These heavy elements are incredibly unstable and decay rapidly, which has led scientists to study their properties and interactions with other elements. This research has helped us better understand the properties of the elements in the periodic table and has implications for various fields, including nuclear physics, materials science, and astrophysics.
In conclusion, the bottom number of the periodic table is 118, representing the element Oganesson. This discovery has expanded our understanding of the periodic table and has opened new avenues for research in the field of chemistry. As we continue to explore the unknown, the periodic table will undoubtedly be updated with new elements, further enriching our knowledge of the universe and its fundamental building blocks.
