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I find that the periodic tables in general chemistry textbooks are not consistent. In some textbooks, Ce is the first lanthanide and ends with Lu. In other texts, I see that La is the first lanthanide & ends with Yb. I would argue the format should be the former since Lu3+ is a f14 element. I'm sure there are papers on this topic, but it still drives me nuts that elements can be placed in different positions. What are your thoughts?
Hi Julia. I've been thinking about writing a learning object about this (although it's been on my to do list for about 2 years). There was a discussion in J Chem Ed about it a couple of years ago. There was a commentary written by Laurence Lavelle, followed by a letter in response by Eric Scerri. In the learning object, I thought I would present physical properties and electronic structures for the elements and ask the students how they might order them. I like it as an example of how science knowledge is "constructed" by humans. (Gosh, that last sentence might get me in trouble with some philosophers or more likely some scientists.)
I'd be happy to collaborate with you on the development of a learning object, if you're interested.