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The genius of Mendeleev’s periodic table

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TEDEd Animation

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The elements had been listed and carefully arranged before Dmitri Mendeleev. They had even been organized by similar properties before. So why is Mendeelev’s periodic table the one that has endured? Lou Serico explains via Ekaaluminium, an element whose existence Mendeelev predicted decades before it was discovered.

Lots of scientists had worked on the periodic table other than Mendeleev. What do you think would have changed had they all worked closely together to figure out the best way to arrange the periodic table? Do you think collaboration is always the best answer?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Director Biljana Labović
  • Artist Celeste Lai, Nick Sumida
  • Animator Franz Palomares
  • Educator Lou Serico
  • Narrator Lou Serico

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