Naked Science Forum
Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: EatsRainbows on 08/03/2010 05:41:49
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I am apparently supposed to memorise the lot, all element names and their symbols and the groups to which they belong, ie metals, non metals, metalloids and how many are in each group of noble gases, Alkali metal etc etc... all i can say is... yikes! lol
Just wondering if anyone has any tips on how I could do this or anything that could help me? Would be much appreciated... [:)]
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Write the electronic configuration for each element 10 times. Trust me. Then you will get to remember ;)
Nonetheless, I can do nothing but agree with Dave. Memorizing the lot is rather a sign of bad teaching than great edutcation.
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I agree, it does seem a bit pointless to memorize the table. However, if you really have to, you might be able to use a number association memory trick.
The idea is to associate each number with a rhyming object, then connect that in your mind with the thing you are trying to remember.
It goes like this:
One --- Bun ---- Visualize a hydrogen filled bun floating towards the ceiling
Two --- Shoe ---- Visualize a helium breathing shoe talking like Minnie Mouse
Three --- Tree ---- etc etc etc.
I'm not sure how far you might get with this. I know it does work for fairly short lists. I've found it's actually quite difficult to forget things when I use this, even when I want to!
Of course, you could always get a tattoo of the periodic table, but they'd probably accuse you of cheating.
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[:)]
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Another thing … I would fail fire the teacher who gave this assignment. Meaningless rote learning should have ended with the 19th Century -- 20th Century at the latest. It's this sort of @#$% that gives academia and education a bad name. I have no respect for such teachers. You have my sympathies.
Can I tell him you say so? lol [;)]
Hey isn't that periodic table you posted a bit expired? Just that its missing 112-118, these have not been named but some of their properties have been identified I think....? Must be so because they appear to have classification as being metal, metalloid or gas though little else.
Of course, you could always get a tattoo of the periodic table, but they'd probably accuse you of cheating.
Love it! hahahahaha
Another idea someone just gave me today, if anyone is interested is mnemonic 'poems' such as: For all the Him & Hers -
Little Betty Bright Child, Nurses Our Friends Neatly. Nasty Magy Always Sings Pop Songs Clearly Around Kirsty Carol
http://everything2.com/title/Periodic+table+mnemonic
[::)] lol
Thanks heaps everyone [:)]
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sack the teacher, is he one of those crusty beardy ones the kind that retires and still teaches at the school "to give a hand". the kind that hasn't aged but weathered and fossilised ?
oh and test him, steal the periodic table of the wall (i bet you have one in class), think of a random rare ish atom and ask him about it, will he be able to remember....... now that ive said that probley but it will be fun trying.
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lol!!!!!!!
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The periodic table of the elements song is easy to find and is pretty effective too.
Its pretty much just the elements put to music!
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It's a good joke, but it's in the wrong order.
I remember a long time ago making up mnemonics for the groups. The only one I can still recall is "fat cows bend in angles" for the halogens.
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There must be a few different versions, to tell you the truth, I've never heard the out of order one... and now all I can think is: "Theeeeeeeres Hydrogen, Helium, Lithium and Beryllium...".
But mnemonics are one of the best ways, 'fat cows bend in angles'. I like it!
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Turn all the elements of the periodic table into top trumps cards. Play top trumps repeatidly with your friends for money. Memorising all the cards info is vital to winning lots of money so you will soon learn them.
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This is the original (with a bit of animation added).
http://www.privatehand.com/flash/elements.html
Incidentally I always found that mnemonics that were silly or rude were easier to remember. The down side is that you might sound like you are muttering obscenities in exams; OTOH, plenty of people DO mutter obscenities in exams.
Late College parties never persuade Samantha's European girls to dispense hospitality, even though you linger.
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Turn all the elements of the periodic table into top trumps cards. Play top trumps repeatidly with your friends for money. Memorising all the cards info is vital to winning lots of money so you will soon learn them.
What a Great Idea! Atomic Number, valency, state (solid beats liquid, liq beats gas, gas beats solid): but I cannot work out how to work on metallic vs non-metallic
Matthew
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When I was at Uni we had a really good one for the 3rd row (K, Ca etc) which began
Kings Can Seduce Timid Virgins .....
but I can't remember the rest. WOuld really appreciate it if anyone can finish the row!
On the other hand the lanthanides (Brit style) have stuck in my brain for well over 30 years:
Late College Parties Never Persuade Sophisticated European Girls To Delay Homegoing Even Though You Loiter.