Discoveries:
* Periodic Law: Mendeleev's most significant discovery was the Periodic Law , which states that the properties of chemical elements are periodic functions of their atomic masses. This meant that elements with similar properties appeared at regular intervals when arranged by atomic weight.
* Organization of Elements: He organized the known elements into a table based on their atomic weight and chemical properties. This arrangement, with elements grouped by similar properties, became the foundation of the modern periodic table.
* Identification of Gaps: Mientras organizaba los elementos, Mendeleev notó varias brechas en su mesa donde se esperaban elementos con propiedades específicas, pero aún no se habían descubierto.
Predictions:
* Existence of Undiscovered Elements: Basado en los huecos en su tabla y la ley periódica, Mendeleev predijo la existencia y las propiedades de tres elementos no descubiertos: Eka-Boron (Scandium), EKA-Aluminium (Gallium) y Eka-Silicon (Germanio) . He even accurately predicted their atomic weights and chemical properties. These predictions were later validated when the elements were discovered.
* Properties of Unknown Elements: Mendeleev also predicted the properties of other undiscovered elements, though these were not as well-defined as the three mentioned above.
* Corrections to Atomic Weights: Mendeleev recognized that some elements had incorrect atomic weights based on their position in the table and their properties. He proposed corrections to the atomic weights of several elements, which were later confirmed by more accurate measurements.
Overall Impact:
Mendeleev's contributions to the periodic table were revolutionary. Su trabajo no solo organizó el conocimiento existente de los elementos, sino que también sentó las bases para futuros descubrimientos y una comprensión más profunda de la estructura atómica y las propiedades químicas. His predictions were remarkable and provided strong evidence for the validity of the periodic law and his arrangement of the elements. The periodic table remains a fundamental tool in chemistry and a testament to Mendeleev's genius.
