How Do Scientist Know That There Are No Other Elements Except Which Are Given In The Periodic Table?

[Sachin114]

I mean is there some universal law which does not allow the existence of elements other than the 118 mentioned in the periodic table?

[TheChair]

They don't, and they don't claim to. 118 is the number of elements identified so far.

[Old_Geezer]

I am not into chemistry but I suspect the number of potential elements are probably endless. It's how the heck to create them and since most won't be stable, get them to stay without breaking up, that would be the issue.

I did read if conjecture that go high enough are there might be "islands" of stable elements to find. Not that there is any way for them to occur naturally.

[ToraToraTora]

where did you get the idea that science has in some way stated that there are no more elements?

[Sachin114]

Thank you guys...

[Sachin114]

I heard in a video lecture that the periodic table is completed by the discovereies of the missing elements... But now i think that it does not necessarily mean that there are no more elements to be discovered...

[EDDIE51]

The 4 newest Elements have just been named
http://iupac.org/iupac-is-naming-the-four-new-elements-nihonium-moscovium-tennessine-and-oganesson/
New Elements are not 'discovered' as they do not occur naturally , they have to be made in the laboratory.

[theprof]

It would be useful to know what gave you the idea that all elements have been discovered Sachin114. Can you provide your source. Did you read it in a book on or the internet?

As others have said, we've not discovered all the elements. Most scientists acknowledge that many more are due to be discovered, principally in laboratory situations. You also need to take into account that in theory (and I emphasise "in theory") that elements of extra-terrestrial origin that we are not familiar with on Earth may come to light one day - for many years due consideration has been given to the existence of silicone based life forms on other planets.

Consider whether you are confining yourself to the discovery of further Earth existing elements or accepting that there may be other undiscovered elements elsewhere. It's food for thought.

[Sachin114]

No doubt science is very interesting when we let our imagination free.. as the prof said it got me thinking that what would a world be like where all life forms are silicone based... whether we are able to find such elements or not is another thing.. but the mere fact that theoretically it is possible makes out imagination more factual than fictional... really i can keep pondering over these things all day everyday... :)

[Sachin114]

Sir it was a video lecture from a college... but sir i would like to point out that the way the statement was made does not necessarily suggest that all elements were discovered... so it may be my mistake in misinterpreting the language... Sorry

[mikey4444]

I have always understood that there are "gaps" in the periodic table, which are slowly but surely being filled.

Also...don't forget that some of these elements are only produced in the laboratory, and then only fleetingly.

Can I recommend the following book ?

"Periodic Tales.. The Curious Lives of the Elements" by Hugh Aldersey-Williams.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10294187-periodic-tales

I first read this a few years ago. Its a very readable account of the subject and is ideal if you are like me, with very little scientific knowledge or training !

[jomifl]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicone
As the article says 'not to be confused with silicon'

[Old_Geezer]

Indeed, or your lifeform will look a right tit !