What is periodic table extension?

The periodic table extension refers to the addition of new elements to the existing periodic table. The periodic table is a chart that organizes the chemical elements according to their atomic number, electron configuration, and chemical properties. The modern periodic table currently has 118 known elements, with the most recent additions being nihonium, moscovium, tennessine, and oganesson in 2016.

The discovery and synthesis of new elements is a continually evolving field of research. Many of the newly discovered elements are highly unstable and exist for only a fraction of a second or less, making their detection and identification challenging. The extension of the periodic table is important for understanding the properties and behaviors of chemical elements, as well as for contributing to advancements in various areas of science and technology, including nuclear physics, materials science, and medicine.

The periodic table extension has been made possible through the collaboration of scientists and researchers from around the world. To be officially recognized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), a new element must be successfully synthesized and identified in at least two separate experiments. The naming of new elements follows a set of guidelines established by IUPAC, which often involves honoring a person, place, or concept related to the element's properties.