Before 1937, all naturally occurring elements had been discovered, but no one had found any trace of element 43. Chemists were still able to predict the chemical properties of this element (now called technetium), which is widely used today for diagnosing medical problems. How were these predictions possible? Which elements would you expect to be similar to technetium?

Question

Before 1937, all naturally occurring elements had been discovered, but no one had found any trace of element 43.  Chemists were still able to predict the chemical properties of this element (now called technetium), which is widely used today for diagnosing medical problems.  How were these predictions possible?  Which elements would you expect to be similar to technetium?

drwls · Accepted Answer

The properties of Tc could be estimated by averaging the properties of the elements above and below it in the same column of the periodic table. One of them is manganese (Mn). Now you look up the other one.

james c sherman · Answer

Chemists were still able to predict the chemical properties of this element (now called technetium), which is widely used today for diagnosing medical problems.

billybobjeffjr.the3rd · Answer

ur mom