Who is credited with formulating the modern periodic table in which the properties of elements show periodicity when arranged in order of increasing atomic mass (historically) and which later led to the modern atomic number based table?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Mendeleev

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The periodic table is one of the most important organising frameworks in chemistry, summarising the properties of all known elements in a single chart. Its development went through many stages, but one chemist is especially credited with formulating the early modern periodic table based on periodicity of properties. This question tests your knowledge of the history of chemistry and the scientist associated with the first widely accepted periodic table that successfully predicted new elements.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The question asks “Who invented the modern periodic table?” in the historical sense.
  • The options are Faraday, Mendeleev, Newton, and Bohr.
  • Mendeleev is well known for his 19th century periodic table based on atomic masses.
  • We assume school level coverage of the history of the periodic law.


Concept / Approach:
Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev, a Russian chemist, published a periodic table in 1869 in which elements were arranged in order of increasing atomic mass, and he observed that chemical properties repeated periodically. He left gaps for undiscovered elements and predicted their properties with remarkable accuracy, which was later confirmed when elements like gallium and germanium were discovered. While later work by Moseley refined the basis of periodicity to atomic number, Mendeleev is still credited with inventing the modern form of the periodic table and the original periodic law. Faraday made major contributions to electrochemistry, Newton to classical mechanics, and Bohr to atomic structure, but none of them are primarily associated with inventing the periodic table.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall which scientist is linked to the first successful periodic table. Mendeleev arranged elements by atomic mass and noticed periodicity in properties. Step 2: Remember his key achievement. He left gaps for unknown elements and predicted their properties, which were later verified. Step 3: Examine the other names. Faraday worked on electricity and electrolysis; Newton on gravity and motion; Bohr on atomic models and quantised orbits. Step 4: Conclude that Mendeleev is the scientist associated with the modern periodic table.


Verification / Alternative check:
Histories of chemistry universally credit Mendeleev with the first periodic table that became widely accepted among chemists. His periodic law stated that the properties of the elements are a periodic function of their atomic masses. Later, Moseley showed that atomic number is the true basis of periodicity, but the table's structure and logic are directly descended from Mendeleev's arrangement. Many modern periodic tables still mention Mendeleev by name, and some versions even include his portrait. This strong historical consensus confirms that Mendeleev is the correct answer.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (Faraday): Famous for his work on electromagnetic induction and electrochemistry, not for inventing the periodic table. Option C (Newton): Known primarily for laws of motion and universal gravitation; he did not develop a periodic classification of elements. Option D (Bohr): Developed the Bohr model of the atom and contributed to quantum theory, but the periodic table predates his work.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Bohr and Mendeleev because both names appear in chapters dealing with the structure of the atom and the arrangement of elements. Another mistake is to assume that whoever worked on atomic models must also have devised the periodic table. To avoid confusion, remember that Mendeleev's work came earlier and is focused on organising elements, while Bohr's work focuses on electron orbits and explaining spectral lines. Associating Mendeleev with “table” and Moseley with “atomic number” is a useful memory trick.


Final Answer:
The modern periodic table is historically credited to Mendeleev.

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