An international team of chemists led by Florida State University researchers has found that the theory of quantum mechanics does not adequately explain how the last 21 elements of the periodic table function. Instead, another well-known scientific theory — Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity — helps govern the behavior of these elements.
Quantum mechanics are essentially the rules that govern how atoms behave and fully explain the chemical behavior of most of the elements on the periodic table.
But, Florida State University Professor Thomas Albrecht-Schmitt and co-authors found that these rules are somewhat overridden by Einstein’s Theory of Relativity when it comes to the heavier, lesser known elements of the table.
“It’s almost like being in an alternate universe because you’re seeing chemistry you simply don’t see in everyday elements,” Professor Albrecht-Schmitt said.
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