Question #85f20

1 Answer
Jan 8, 2016

Lothar Meyer's curve was a plot of atomic volume against atomic mass.

Explanation:

Meyer’s main contribution to atomic theory was his recognition of the periodic behaviour of atomic properties.

He plotted the atomic volume (the volume of a mole of atoms) of an element against its atomic mass. Here's his curve.

Curve
(from www.slideshare.net)

It showed a periodic pattern as the atomic volume rose to peaks and then fell again.

For example, the alkali metals occupied the peaks of the curve, which dropped to a minimum before rising to the next peak.