What happens if two teams discover an element at the same time?
From NCERTAsked by Anonymous from New Orleans, United States23 Oct 2026, 3:40 PM ISTUpdated
In one line
If two teams discover an element at the same time, both may claim credit, but only one name and discovery is officially accepted after careful review.
Periodic table — Tabular arrangement of the chemical elements The periodic table, where new elements are added after official recognition. Image: Wikipedia
The rule
When two or more teams claim to have discovered a new element, international scientific bodies review the evidence and decide who gets official credit and naming rights.
Let's understand it simply
Imagine two cricket teams both say they hit the winning run at the same moment. Only one team can win, so the umpire checks the facts. In science, if two groups of scientists find a new element at the same time, a special committee acts like the umpire. They look at the proof from both teams and decide who really found it first or who has the stronger evidence.
How it works
Both teams announce their discovery, usually in scientific papers.
The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) checks all the data.
IUPAC looks for clear proof: Did both teams really make the element? Can others repeat it?
If both teams have strong evidence, IUPAC may credit both, or pick the one with better proof.
The team (or teams) given credit gets to suggest a name for the new element.
IUPAC approves the name, and it becomes official worldwide.
The story behind it
This has happened before! For example, element 104 (Rutherfordium) was claimed by both Russian and American teams in the 1960s. There was a big debate. IUPAC finally decided to give credit to both, and agreed on a name after years of discussion.
Element Discovery Disputes
1964Russian team claims element 104
1969American team claims element 104
1997IUPAC credits both teams and finalizes the name Rutherfordium
Where you see it in real life
Periodic table: Some element names and symbols show the result of such disputes (like Rutherfordium, Dubnium).
Science news: When a new element is found, you may hear about teams from different countries racing to claim it.
History books: Stories of element discoveries often mention these rivalries.
School textbooks: Some elements have two names in old books, showing past disagreements.
Why it matters
Decides who gets scientific credit and fame.
The winning team suggests the official name and symbol.
Affects how the element is taught and used in science.
Shows the importance of proof and fairness in science.
Common mistakes
Thinking both teams always get equal credit – usually, only one is chosen, or both share if evidence is equal.
Believing the first to announce always wins – it's about proof, not speed.
Assuming the name is chosen by the discoverers alone – IUPAC must approve it.
Remember it
When two teams discover an element, IUPAC checks the evidence and decides who gets the credit and naming rights.
Check yourself
Who decides which team gets credit for discovering a new element?
IUPAC, the international chemistry body, reviews and decides.
Why can't both teams always get full credit?
Because only one official discovery and name is accepted to avoid confusion.
What matters more: announcing first or having strong proof? Why?
Strong proof matters more, because science needs clear evidence.
What does the winning team get to do after their discovery is accepted?
They get to suggest a name for the new element, which IUPAC must approve.
Quick recap
When two teams claim an element, IUPAC reviews the evidence.
Only one name and discovery is officially accepted.
Both teams may share credit if evidence is equal.
Naming rights go to the team(s) recognized by IUPAC.
