Why the new elements on the periodic table are old news (video)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2016 — It should be exciting chemistry news: Four elements are being added to the periodic table. But scientists created elements 113, 115, 117 and 118 years ago. So why are they only now being added to the periodic table? We’re pleased to welcome Matt Davenport in the very first Speaking of Chemistry episode on the Reactions YouTube channel, as he explains why these brand-new additions are not as new as you might think. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItrYpHsymfI.

Speaking of Chemistry is a production of Chemical & Engineering News, a weekly magazine of the American Chemical Society. The program features fascinating, weird and otherwise interesting chemistry topics. Subscribe to the series at http://bit.ly/CENOnline and follow us on Twitter @CENMag.