Exploring Lanthanide and Actinide Series Exclusion from Periodic Table

In summary, the lanthanide and actinide series are not included in the main periodic table because they are shown at the bottom in the extended periodic table. The f-block elements do not have group numbers, but this may change in the future. Group numbers are just a convention and do not affect the physics of the elements. The format of the periodic table is arbitrary and based on human categorization, not necessarily how nature groups the elements. There are alternative periodic tables that exist.
  • #1
faiz4000
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why aren't the lanthanide and actinide series included in the periodic table? is there some non periodicity in there elements?
 
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  • #2
Are you asking why these series are shown at the bottom? It's a http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extended_periodic_table" .
 
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  • #3
yes,i am trying to say why they are not in the main periodic table? why you can't assign there elements to any group? Is there any non-periodicity in the elements?
 
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  • #5
faiz4000 said:
why aren't the lanthanide and actinide series included in the periodic table? is there some non periodicity in there elements?

The format of the periodic table is "arbitrary," not in the sense that it makes no sense, but from a Sociology/Psychology of Science perspective in the sense that the manner in which it is presented is guided by the human tendency to categorize in groups with linkage to other areas of human understanding. How we, as products of nature, group the elements may or may not be how nature in its raw form groups them (most likely not...). In other words, our periodic table is an imperfect, but extremely useful model. There are others. See...

Alternative Periodic Tables
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_periodic_tables
 
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1. What are lanthanides and actinides?

Lanthanides and actinides are two series of elements found in the periodic table. They are also known as rare earth elements and are located at the bottom of the periodic table, below the main body of elements.

2. Why are lanthanides and actinides excluded from the main body of the periodic table?

Lanthanides and actinides are excluded from the main body of the periodic table because they have similar chemical properties and are placed at the bottom of the table for convenience. This helps to keep the periodic table compact and easier to read.

3. How many elements are in the lanthanide and actinide series?

The lanthanide series contains 15 elements, from lanthanum (atomic number 57) to lutetium (atomic number 71). The actinide series contains 15 elements as well, from actinium (atomic number 89) to lawrencium (atomic number 103).

4. Why are lanthanides and actinides called "rare earth elements"?

Lanthanides and actinides are called "rare earth elements" because they are difficult to separate from each other and from other elements, making them rare and valuable. They are also often found in low concentrations in the earth's crust.

5. What are some common uses of lanthanides and actinides?

Lanthanides and actinides have a variety of uses in everyday life. Some common uses include: as catalysts in chemical reactions, in the production of electronics and magnets, in medical imaging and treatments, and in the production of nuclear energy. Lanthanides are also used in the production of colored glass and ceramics, while actinides are used in smoke detectors and space exploration.

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