The Disappearing Spoon Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Completing the Table....with a Bang
Summary:

In chapter 6, the author talked about how the periodic table finally came to be organized as. He started off by talking about Henry Moseley, who helped organize the periodic table. Moseley was a physicist who came up with the idea of the atomic number. To study the atomic structure, Moseley would use the X-ray spectra. He was able to notice that there was a relationship between the amount of protons there are in an atom and its atomic number. Henry Moseley was the one who suggested that the elements on the periodic table should be organized by increasing atomic number and mass. Sadly, Henry Moseley soon joined the army where he was killed. After Henry Moseley's death, many scientists began looking for the missing elements on the periodic table. More and more elements soon came to be discovered; thus, expanding the periodic table. They were able to track down every one of the missing elements except element 61. Eventually, they were able to find element 61, promethium, but they were more interested in uranium and plutonium.

In addition, Kean then goes off to explain how, in 1932, James Chadwick soon discovered the neutron. This new information benefitted scientists, for it help them with radioactivity. He then elaborated the reason why there are blank spots in the bottom of the periodic table. The author then explains how it was that the atomic bomb came to be made. He also adds the importance of the women who worked on the calculations of the atomic bomb because it wouldn't have been possible without their help. Lastly, he goes into detail about the bombs, like the cobalt-60 bomb, which could be disastrous for mankind and the world because of the huge amount of gamma rays that would be released when detonated.

Reflection:

I really found this chapter interesting because I learned new information that I didn't know before like the way woman contributed in creating the atomic bomb. I didn't know why element 61 was called promethium until I read this chapter and the backstory to this naming was quite fascinating. I disliked how the scientists basically ignored promethium when it was discovered just because uranium and plutonium caught more of their attention. I really disagree with mankind creating an atomic bomb because it's very dangerous and does so much damage. Now I see the elements with a different perspective, now I see the great damage that they can cause.