The Periodic Table CD

Alton J. Banks
Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8204

Jon L. Holmes
Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715-1116



Note:
This issue is out of print.

The Periodic Table CD is a digitized version of our all-time favorite publication, The Periodic Table Videodisc (1) It contains a database of visual information - still images and motion sequences - about the chemical elements. The motion sequences show reactions (if any) of each element with air, with water, with two acids, and with a base; the still pictures show most of the elements as well as common and not-so-common uses and applications of each element.

For most elements, the Periodic Table CD includes still images of the element and of its uses and applications. Elements are shown in their stable form at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure. Pictures are either labeled with the element's name and symbol, or unlabeled, making it possible to ask students to identify an element based on its visible characteristics. Close-up images and medium-range images that give some perspective on the size of each sample are included. Still images of up to a dozen applications of each element are also available. These are shown preceded by a title that indicates what the application is and in which form (pure element, oxide, etc.) the element is used.

Additionally, motion video sequences show the element reacting with air, water, two aqueous acids, and aqueous base. Such movie files are available for nearly every case in which a reaction is known to occur. Each begins with a label to identify the element and each type of reaction is identified by its experimental setup. This facilitates comparisons among reactions of different elements with the same reagent. All images and video can be accessed directly using the included movie player utility. But more importantly, most of these are now accessible using Chemistry Navigator (Macintosh) or the Illustrated Periodic Table (Windows).

Hardware and Software Requirements

For use with a Macintosh an Apple Macintosh or compatible computer with 68040 or Power Macintosh CPU and at least 8 MB RAM, 256-color monitor (thousands of colors recommended) with at least 640 x 480 pixel resolution, a double speed or faster CD-ROM drive, and System 7 or later are required. Windows users require Microsoft Windows version 3.1 or later or Windows 95 and a compatible computer with an 80486 or higher processor, a minimum of 12 MB of memory, a mouse, 256-color, 640 x 480 or higher Super VGA graphics with a compatible color monitor, and double speed or faster CD-ROM drive.

Literature Cited

  1. Banks, A. J. The Periodic Table Videodisc, 1st ed.; J. Chem. Educ.: Software, 1989, SP 1; 2nd ed. 1995.
First Published: June 1997

Citation: Banks, A. J.; Holmes, J. L. . The Periodic Table CD J. Chem. Educ. Software SP17

Keywords: Lecture Aid; Computer Room; Instructor; High School; General; Analytical; Organic; Inorganic; Physical; Periodic table

Last Updated: April 27, 2001
Created: April 2, 1997 		Created by: S. B. Mathews
Comments to: jceonline@chem.wisc.edu

© 1997 Division of Chemical Education, Inc., American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.