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The Secret Life of the Periodic Table

Unlocking the mysteries of all 118 elements
Series: Secret Life of
Brief Description
Every element has character, be it volatile, aloof, gregarious, or enigmatic. They also have incredible stories of how they came to be, how they were discovered, and how their qualities have been harnessed to make everything we have in the world. Dr Ben Still takes you... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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Unlock the secrets of atomic science with this accessible and gripping account of all 118 known elements.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Every element has character, be it volatile, aloof, gregarious, or enigmatic. They also have incredible stories of how they came to be, how they were discovered, and how their qualities have been harnessed to make everything we have in the world.

Dr Ben Still takes you through all the groups, revealing the fascinating circumstances of their discoveries and explaining their characteristics and behaviour, often delving inside the atom to explain their structure in a way easily accessible to everyone. Insightful illustrations help you to understand even the most complex-looking aspects of quantum physics, bringing the periodic table to life.

Incredibly enlightening, The Secret Life of the Periodic Table will entertain and inform in equal measure. Take a trip through the ages of exploration, enjoying the story of how Mendeleev's table came to be; it is the story of one of the greatest pattern-seeking accomplishments of humankind.

Contents include:

  • Atomic physics
  • The quantum atom
  • Trends and patterns
  • Alkaline earth metals
  • Metalloids
  • Future elements

Series: Secret Life of

View all
  • The Secret Life of the Periodic Table
    Every element has character, be it volatile, aloof, gregarious, or enigmatic. They also have incredible stories of how they came to be, how they were discovered, and how their qualities have been harnessed to make everything we have in the world. Dr Ben Still takes you through all the groups, revealing the fascinating circumstances of their discoveries and explaining their...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • The Secret Life of Equations
    Behind every important scientific discovery there is an equation. They are far from baffling, and now you too can understand their power and beauty! Discover the 50 equations that have led to incredible discoveries, ground-breaking technology, and have shaped our understanding of the world. From much heralded classics as e=mc² and Pythagoras's Theorem, to Fuzzy Logic and Google PageRank, each...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781788405843

Publisher: Octopus Publishing Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 July 2025

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Cassell

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 231g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Dr Ben Still is a Physicist at the University of London. Alongside his research career Ben has been an advocate of new methods of communicating physics. He has worked with artists, designers, and illustrators to show complex physics research topics in a new light. Ben also teaches Science in schools and develops innovative methods of classroom teaching. For his contribution to science communication Ben has been presented with multiple national awards.

Following a childhood interest Ben went to Leicester to read for a masters in Physics with Space Science and Technology. During the course his attention was instead drawn to the world of particle physics. Ben went on to the University of Sheffield where he gained a PhD in experimental particle physics. Ben then continued his career as a physicist as a Research Associate at Queen Mary University of London where he is now an Honorary Research Fellow.

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