Brandi Alfaro
Kai Lin
Period: 2
Najderek Periodic Table
Scientists all over have been trying to invent the perfect format that would explain and
predict properties of the elements. The Najderek periodic table, created by Pawel Najderek in
2008, is just one of the many alternative periodic tables to challenge the Classical period table.
Visually, this particular table is very helpful for people who can learn new information easier
when it is color differentiated. Each block is a different color to allow the reader of the table to
distinguish between the elements and the blocks they belong to. Secondly, the table has an open
and condensed structure (because any number of chemical elements can be incorporated),
and therefore the f-block elements are positioned in their corresponding periods. This way they
are conveniently placed along with the other elements. Lastly, the Najderek table can go on
infinitely due to the arrangement of periods. The Najderek Periodic Table presents several
benefits that the Classical model does not.
The Najderek periodic table and the Classical periodic table have very clear differences.
The Classical periodic table was created as a tool for reference in understanding and predicting
the properties of elements. The symbol of every element, atomic number, and atomic mass are
clearly displayed on the table. Its elements are arranged by increasing atomic number from left to
right. The columns are known as groups, and the rows are known as periods. There are eighteen
groups and seven periods on the Classical periodic table. The Lanthanide series and Actinide
series are simply stuck underneath the other seven periods. There are also a number of trends
regarding atomic radius, ionic radius, ionization energy, and electron negativity that can be found
in both the groups and the periods because of the way the table is arranged. However, the
Najderek periodic table does not display these trends because it is set up into geometric triangles.
This allows an endless amount of elements to be added on, but math to find the information that
the Classical periodic table has already laid out. The Najderek periodic table is arranged based on
the theoretical principles of quantum chemistry so the elements are somewhat scattered. On the
Najderek periodic table the four different energy sublevels (s, p, d, and f) are divided by color
while in the Classical table it’s divided into four distinct areas.
The Najderek periodic table is far too complicated for the level of high school students to
use. To be able to use the Najderek periodic table a clear understanding of quantum chemistry is
needed. There is also no mention on atomic mass on the Najderek periodic table. No one would
be able to quickly glance at the table and find the information they are looking for. This would
defeat the purpose of using a periodic table in the first place. The Najderek periodic table is a
good way to organize the understanding of quantum chemistry, but it’s not very useful as a
reference at a beginner’s level to chemistry.
Although the Najderek table is convenient, it is also inconvenient in several senses.
Firstly, the table does not contain the atomic mass of the elements. This makes it difficult for
anyone, below advanced knowledge of chemistry, to use. Students will find themselves needing
access to the atomic mass when doing problems in topics, such as stochiometry. Also, by having
the charges of the elements included, it would be easier for beginner students to apply in their
work.
The Najderek periodic table is not recommended for any high school level or anyone of a
beginner’s level in chemistry. It’s simply too complicated for them to understand. Although the
table gives the symbol and atomic number of each element it lacks atomic mass. The person
using the Najderek periodic table would have to have advance knowledge of quantum chemistry
to be able to use it. They themselves would have to be capable of calculating the atomic mass
every time they use it. This would cause a major inconvenience rendering the table useless.