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Physical Explanation of the Periodic Table
Author(s) -
OSTROVSKY V. N.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2003.tb06097.x
Subject(s) - bohr model , periodic table , theoretical physics , generalization , polyatomic ion , quantum chemistry , periodic system , table (database) , interpretation (philosophy) , quantum mechanics , basis (linear algebra) , simple (philosophy) , quantum , epistemology , physics , statistical physics , mathematics , chemistry , molecule , computer science , philosophy , geometry , mathematical analysis , supramolecular chemistry , data mining , programming language
A bstract : The Periodic Table of the elements, the most important generalization in chemistry, is often considered as a representative special case in the study of the relation between chemistry and physics. Its quantum interpretation was initiated, but not completed, by Niels Bohr. In this paper, post‐Bohr conceptual developments are discussed from historical and epistemological points of view. The difference between high‐precision numerical calculations for individual atoms and the theory of the periodic system as a whole is emphasized. Periodic laws met in Nature are not restricted to the chemical Periodic Table. A comparative study of these laws makes it possible to single out essential features that define the particular pattern of periodicity. It is shown that the periodic system of neutral ground state atoms now has a firm nonempirical quantum‐theoretical basis. Alternative approaches, based on group theory and other mathematical schemes, are briefly discussed. It is argued that, while quantum theory is capable of fully accurate calculations for relatively simple atoms or molecular objects, the complexity of polyatomic molecules and chemical reactions guarantees the flourishing of chemistry as a separate scientific discipline.