New data on synthetic element trigger rethink of periodic table

Property of lawrencium may help settle a long-standing debate

periodic table

FLEETING  Despite new results, controversy remains over where the radioactive element lawrencium (plus its upstairs neighbor lutetium) should be in the periodic table: in the d-block or f-block.

E. Otwell

In their momentary life span, atoms of lawrencium, element 103, may have left a lasting impression on the structure of the periodic table.