Will the Periodic Table Ever Be Complete?

The video explores the current state of the periodic table, discussing its apparent completeness with elements up to 118. It delves into historical predictions by Elliot Quincy Adams and Richard Feynman about the limits of the periodic table, based on atomic weight and special relativity, respectively. The video also covers revised predictions that suggest the table could extend to element 173, considering the size of the nucleus. It introduces the concept of 'islands of stability,' where certain elements might be more stable than expected. The video concludes with a call to support SciShow on Patreon.

What was Elliot Quincy Adams' prediction about the periodic table?

• The periodic table is complete with the current elements.

• No element could have an atomic weight larger than 256.

• The periodic table would end at atomic number 118.

• Elements beyond atomic number 100 would be unstable.

Why did Richard Feynman believe elements with atomic numbers higher than 137 couldn't exist?

• They would not fit in the current periodic table layout.

• They would be too unstable to form.

• They would violate the laws of special relativity.

• They would require more neutrons than possible.

What is the revised atomic number limit when considering the size of the nucleus?

• 200

• 173

• 150

• 137

What are 'islands of stability' in the context of the periodic table?

• Regions where elements are more stable than expected.

• Groups of elements with similar chemical properties.

• Areas where elements are too unstable to exist.

• Sections of the periodic table that are complete.

Around which atomic numbers do predictions suggest the first island of stability might start?

• 118 or 120

• 122 or 126

• 140 or 145

• 130 or 135