Nerd alert: four new entries were added to the periodic table, completing its seventh row. The new elements also have given names, pending review and approval. The new elements filled the gaps, with atomic numbers 113, 115, 117, and 118.
Those who discovered the elements were allowed to propose names, but these are still for public review and consideration. The elements are named Nihonium (Nh), Moscovium (Mc), Tennessine (Ts) and Oganesson (Og).
Appeals And Complaints Welcomed
CNN reports the elements' names are on a five-month probation, before being officially confirmed official on November 8, 2016. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry recognized the elements and added these to the periodic table. The IUPAC also accommodates comments or complaints regarding the names on their official website.
Though the discoverers of the elements decided on the names, they still complied with IUPAC guidelines. Traditionally, element names should be based on mythical concepts or characters, astronomical objects, a mineral, a place or geographical region, one of the element's properties, or a scientist.
Elements must also have the "-ium," "-ine," or "on" suffix as designation of their groupings. Arbitrarily, the name should also be easily translatable in as many languages as possible.
The Race To Complete Row Eight
In conjunction to the new discoveries, the search for the missing elements on the eighth row of the periodic table is on-going, as well as research towards the efficient identification of the heavier elements.
Element 113 Nihonium (Nh) is derived from Nihon, the Japanese translation for "Land of the Rising Sun." Element 115 Moscovium (Mc) is named after Moscow, where it was discovered. The same is true with Element 117 Tennesine (Ts), named after Tennessee. Element 118 Oganesson (Og) carries Yuri Oganessian's name, a Russian physicist who was instrumental to the discovery of superheavy elements.
Science News reports the guidelines ensure discoverers name elements consistent with tradition, and also to prevent whimsical monikers like Boaty McBoatface. All of the four elements are not intrinsic to nature, but instead synthesized at laboratories.
