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Periodic Table of Elements To Get an Update

Posted by timothy on from the elementally-my-dear-watson dept.

Lazarian writes "Scientists from around the world have put forth an update to the Periodic Table of Elements. In particular, they are changing the manner in which atomic weights of ten elements are expressed. From the article: 'For example, sulfur is commonly known to have a standard atomic weight of 32.065. However, its actual atomic weight can be anywhere between 32.059 and 32.076, depending on where the element is found.'"

2 of 99 comments (clear)

  1. Again? by Hope+Thelps · · Score: 5, Informative

    Again?.

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  2. Re:Aluminium. Sulphur. by Kozz · · Score: 5, Informative

    Re:Aluminium. Sulphur.

    While we're at it, maybe this is a good time for you colonials to finally learn how to spell?

    Okay, I'll feed the troll.

    The name originates from the Latin word 'sulfur' and Middle English 'sulfre' meaning brimstone. [cite]

    On the other hand, the other word is a bit more blurry as to who "wins"

    ...In 1807, Davy proposed the name alumium for the metal, undiscovered at that time, and later agreed to change it to aluminum.

    Shortly thereafter, the name aluminium was adopted by IUPAC to conform with the "ium" ending of most elements. Aluminium is the IUPAC spelling and therefore the international standard.

    Aluminium was also the accepted spelling in the U.S.A. until 1925, at which time the American Chemical Society decided to revert back to aluminum, and to this day Americans still refer to aluminium as "aluminum".

    [cite]

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