more from Eric R. Scerri

Single Idea 17412

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / F. Chemistry / 3. Periodic Table]

Full Idea

The serial number of an element in the periodic table, its atomic number, corresponds to the number of positive charges in the atom.

Gist of Idea

Elements are placed in the table by the number of positive charges - the atomic number

Source

Eric R. Scerri (The Periodic Table [2007], 07 'Models')

Book Reference

Scerri,Eric R.: 'The Periodic Table' [OUP 2007], p.187


A Reaction

Note that this is a feature of the nucleus, despite that fact that the electrons decide the chemical properties. A nice model for Locke's views on essentialism.

Related Idea

Idea 17407 The electron is the main source of chemical properties [Scerri]