Periodic table gets weighty update

[pgp_protector]

Almost didn't want to post this given some posters understanding of how Science works.

While this change will make the periodic table a more accurate reflection of how elements exist in nature, it could make teaching basic chemistry a little more complicated.

Periodic table gets weighty update | Cutting Edge - CNET News

Certain elements have more than one stable isotope, which means they can appear in nature with different weights. In its statement today, the organization gave the example of sulfur, which is typically listed as having an atomic weight of 32.065 but which can actually weigh anywhere between 32.059 and 32.076, depending on where it is found.

 

[AV1611VET]

Periodic table gets weighty update | Cutting Edge - CNET News

Same story here:

The U.S. Geological Survey

 

[Biologist]

This is why I love science.

 

[Targ]

Interesting.

Regarding this:

... International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry's Commission on Isotopic Abundances and Atomic Weights ...

Nice name, a round of applause to whoever came up with that.

 

[Cabal]

Huh, when you said update I figured it was something like this:

Scientists discover thoroughly pointless new element

(Poe's law disclaimer - this is a spoof site)

Although regarding the link in the OP, they seem to think these changes in relative atomic masses will make it harder to teach basic chemistry, but what sort of basic chemistry are they talking about? School? College? I would have thought for introductory stoichiometry etc. you don't need to worry about the second decimal place of the relative atomic/molecular masses of the substances you're working with.

 

[Cabal]

Interesting.

Regarding this:

Nice name, a round of applause to whoever came up with that.

Well, the IUPAC is an organisation in its own right, so the Isotopic Abundances bit is likely a subdivision.

 

[leftrightleftrightleft]

I go to the U of C

Its not very often that some new discovery is made at your own school that actually makes headlines in the scientific community. (Although I have almost zero interest in chemistry so it still isn't that exciting for me...)