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Glite Dictionary
periodic law

periodic law

6.5
Properties of elements repeat when they are put in order by atomic number
  • noun
  • /ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪk lɔː/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ley periódica
  • The periodic law explains why elements in the same group have similar chemical properties.

Examples

  • As new elements were discovered, the periodic law helped scientists predict their behavior.

  • Understanding the periodic law is essential for mastering basic chemistry.

  • The periodic law helps us understand elemental properties.

  • According to the periodic law, elements behave predictably.

  • The periodic law explains why elements in the same group of the periodic table exhibit similar properties.

  • According to the periodic law, elements' characteristics repeat in a predictable manner as their atomic numbers increase.

  • Chemists rely on the periodic law to understand the behavior of elements and predict their reactions.

Synonyms

Mendeleev's law
vsperiodic law
  • Specialized
8.3

Elements with similar properties appear at regular intervals when ordered by atomic number

is the same principle but named more generally instead of after a person

Surface Forms

periodic law singular
periodic laws plural

Morphology

periodic + law

The phrase combines 'periodic' (recurring at regular intervals) and 'law' (a general scientific principle), so its meaning as a scientific law about recurring patterns is directly derivable from the constituents. A B1 learner who knows both words would reasonably infer it refers to a law describing periodic recurrence (in this case of elemental properties), making it transparent.

Etymology

Periodic law comes from the words periodic, meaning 'repeating', and law, meaning a rule. When elements are put in order by their atomic number, their properties form a pattern that comes back again and again, so the phrase means the rule that element properties 'repeat' in a regular way.