The magnitude of the atomic weight determines the character of the element, just as the magnitude of the molecule determines the character of a compound body.
Meaning of the quote
The amount of an atom's weight decides what kind of element it is, just like the amount of a molecule's size decides what kind of compound it makes. Mendeleev, a Russian scientist, realized that the weight of an atom is key to understanding the properties of different elements. Similarly, the size of a molecule is important for understanding the characteristics of different compounds.
About Dmitri Mendeleev
Dmitri Mendeleev was a Russian chemist who is best known for formulating the Periodic Law and creating a version of the periodic table of elements. He used the Periodic Law to correct the properties of some known elements and predict the properties of three elements that were yet to be discovered.
More quotes from Dmitri Mendeleev
No one nor anything can silence me.
Russian chemist
I have achieved an inner freedom.
Russian chemist
The most all penetrating spirit before which will open the possibility of tilting not tables, but planets, is the spirit of free human inquiry. Believe only in that.
Russian chemist
Elements which are similar as regards their chemical properties have atomic weights which are either of nearly the same value (eg. Pt, Ir, Os) or which increase regularly (eg. K, Ru, Cs).
Russian chemist
The elements, if arranged according to their atomic weights, exhibit an apparent periodicity of properties.
Russian chemist
Work, look for peace and calm in work: you will find it nowhere else.
Russian chemist
The establishment of a law, moreover, does not take place when the first thought of it takes form, or even when its significance is recognised, but only when it has been confirmed by the results of the experiment.
Russian chemist
It is the function of science to discover the existence of a general reign of order in nature and to find the causes governing this order. And this refers in equal measure to the relations of man – social and political – and to the entire universe as a whole.
Russian chemist
Pleasures flit by – they are only for yourself; work leaves a mark of long-lasting joy, work is for others.
Russian chemist
No law of nature, however general, has been established all at once; its recognition has always been preceded by many presentiments.
Russian chemist
There exists everywhere a medium in things, determined by equilibrium.
Russian chemist
There is nothing in this world that I fear to say.
Russian chemist
I want you to have this feeling too – it is my moral responsibility to help you achieve this inner freedom.
Russian chemist
The elements which are the most widely diffused have small atomic weights.
Russian chemist
The magnitude of the atomic weight determines the character of the element, just as the magnitude of the molecule determines the character of a compound body.
Russian chemist
Certain characteristic properties of elements can be foretold from their atomic weights.
Russian chemist
We could live at the present day without a Plato, but a double number of Newtons is required to discover the secrets of nature, and to bring life into harmony with the laws of nature.
Russian chemist
We must expect the discovery of many as yet unknown elements-for example, elements analogous to aluminum and silicon- whose atomic weight would be between 65 and 75.
Russian chemist