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Periodic Classification: Dobereiner'S Triads
Periodic Classification: Dobereiner'S Triads
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PERIODIC CLASSIFICATION
DOBEREINER’S TRIADS:
In 1829, J.W. Dobereiner discovered that within a group of elements of three
closely related in chemical properties, the atomic masses are either nearly the same
(eg. Iron, cobalt and nickel) or the atomic mass of the middle element is
approximately the arithmetic mean of the other two elements. These are called
Dobereiner’s triads.
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ADVANTAGES:
1. This law provided a basis for the classification of elements into groups of
elements having similar properties.
2. This law provided a wider scope to arrange all known elements into a tabular
form.
DISADVANTAGES:
1. The periodic arrangement of elements did not include Noble gases because
they were not discovered then.
2. Heavier elements could also not be accommodated.
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The properties of the elements are a periodic function of their atomic weights.
FEATURES:
1. Mendeleev's law is an extension of Newland's law of octave.
2. Mendeleev arranged all the then known elements in order of their increasing
atomic weights in seven horizontal lines, called periods, and in eight vertical
columns, called groups.
3. Mendeleev left certain gaps in periodic table for the elements to be discovered.
According to his prediction he named them as Eka-Boron; Eka-Aluminium
and Eka-Silicon.
4. He also predicted the atomic weights and properties of the undiscovered
elements. These elements were discovered in the life of Mendeleev and were
named Scandium. Gallium, and Germanium. Further, these elements were
found to possess properties as were predicted by Mendeleev.
ADVANTAGES:
1. Mendeleev is usually given the credit for giving the periodic system of
elements.
5. This classification of elements on the basis of periodic law proved useful for
predicting unknown elements. Mendeleev left certain gaps in periodic table
for the elements to be discovered. According to his prediction he named them
as Eka-Boron; Eka-Aluminium and Eka-Silicon.
2. Mendeleev also predicted the atomic weights and properties of the
undiscovered elements.
3. This periodic table established a relation between chemical properties and
atomic weights.
4. Mendeleev corrected the atomic masses of some elements such as Boron.
DISADVANTAGES:
1. In certain cases Mendeleev himself disregarded the periodic law. For instance
he placed ArC39.9) before K (39) and Te (127.6) before I (126.9).
2. Position of Hydrogen is not clear because it resembles hoth the alkali metals
and halogens.
3. No separate places were assigned to isotopes.
4. Coinage metals such as (Cu, Ag, Au) were placed along with the alkali metals
even though they differ greatly.
5. Failed to explain structure of atoms.
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6. Inner transition elements do not find any appropriate places in periodic table.
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Structure of Atom:
Mendeleev’s classification failed to explain the structure of an atom but modern
periodic law easily explained the structure of an atom, and also valencies because
it depends upon atomic number or electronic configuration.
AUFBAU PRINCIPLE:
The basic concept of Aufbau principle of building up of electronic shells is that every
electron goes to the lowest energy level available. The energy sequence of orbitals
is 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, 6s, 4f, 5d, 6p, 7s, 5f, 6d, 7p.
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