Summarizing Atom and Ion Structure: The Periodic Table of the Elements

Abstract

Having illustrated symbolically and mathematically the wave-particle dualism applied to electrons in atoms in chapter “A Brief Introduction to Quantum Mechanics”, the symmetrical and asymmetrical behavior of quantized electron energy states in composing or characterizing atoms in the development and prediction of atomic chronology implicit in the periodic table of the elements is explored. The systematic or asystematic addition and subtraction of electrons from the quantum states or substates of atoms is discussed as this creates ions, both positive (cations) and negative (anions) valence states. This serves as a precursor to understanding change balance and atomic or ionic binding in the creation of solid or condensed matter to be discussed in chapter “Chemical Forces: Molecules” following.