Books in The Periodic Table series

What are YAG crystals used for? How are new elements created? Find out the answers to these and other fascinating questions in ‘Uranium and the Rare Earth Metals’. This book investigates the uses for these elements, from tracer bullets to television sets. It explains isotopes, half-lives, and the different forms of radiation. This book explores both the wonderful and terrible ways in which radioactivity is used. Elements in this book: lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, actinium, thorium, protactinium, uranium, neptunium, plutonium, americium, curium, berkelium, californium, einsteinium, fermium, mendelevium, nobelium, and lawrencium.

How did the universe begin? How does hydrogen keep the sun hot? What does hydrogenated mean? Find out the answers to these and other fascinating questions in this book. This book explores the amazing sequence of events that led to the formation of hydrogen and how it is the building block of the universe. It describes hydrogen’s discovery, properties, and its huge potential as an energy resource. Water, hydrogen’s most important compound, is looked at in many contexts. This book clearly explains the differences between acids and alkalis and covers their various uses. It examines the huge family of hydrocarbons, as well as the special nature of hydrogen bonds.

What is gold used for? Why is cobalt chloride paper so useful? How much does a gold bullion bar weigh? Find out the answers to these and other fascinating questions in ‘Gold and the Elements of Groups 8 to 12’. These elements are also called transition metals. Some occur naturally, and others are manufactured. In addition to gold, silver, and copper, other elements in these groups include ruthenium, osmium, rhodium, iridium, and palladium.

What is a reactivity series? Why is bone so strong? Which elements have a half-life? Find out the answers to these and other fascinating questions in ‘Calcium and the Alkaline Earth Metals’. This book explores the nature of calcium, its role in sustaining health, and its place on Earth among rocks and minerals. Calcium plays an essential role in many compounds that are then used in important processes. The other alkaline earth metals examined in this book include beryllium, magnesium, strontium, barium, and radium.

How can you make rubies and sapphires from aluminum? What is black diamond? How do LCDs work? Find out the answers to these and other fascinating questions in ‘Aluminum and the Elements of Group 13’. This book describes the properties of aluminum that at one time made it more valuable than gold. It shows how aluminum and its compounds are used in the transportation, medicine, and food and drink industries. Other elements discussed include boron, gallium, indium, and thallium. The trends in density and melting point as you go down this group are described and demonstrated by the interesting ways these elements and their compounds are used.

Why are some elements radioactive? Why are rubies red? Which element is used in sky writing? Find out the answers to these and other fascinating questions in ‘Tungsten and the Elements of Groups 3 to 7’. These elements are also called transition metals. Some occur naturally, and others are manufactured. They include chromium, molybdenum, manganese, scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, actinium, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, and niobium.