The end of the periodic table?
The superheavy elements might break our beloved table
Has the periodic table had its day? It would be a rather sombre conclusion to the International year of the Periodic Table, but the end might be drawing close. Scientists are working to expand the table’s membership by synthesising new superheavy elements, literally one atom at a time, and trying to find room for these newcomers at the table could end up breaking it altogether. Or at least leave it in need of some drastic changes.