I’m creating a memory palace for the elements in the periodic table. Could i translate ”ium” = ball. And use a ball in every element (memory palace) that ends with ium. There is a LOT of iums. Or is this ineffective?
(Only learning abbrev & element)
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Sure you can do that, if it works to your satisfaction. Ultimately, a mnemonic system is just a tool, but it is your prerogative to fine tune any rules to your own wavelength.
To know if it is effective: experiment.
Each person is a bit different. If you ask others, some may tell you it’s a terrible idea. Others may say it’ll make you a superstar. But in reality, you just have to play around to find out what works for you.
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Thank you, will do. Appericate it.
There is a great podcast by Timothy Moser called Master of Memory he covers all kinds of topics and focuses on mnemonic techniques. There’s hundreds of episodes, most are just 3-8 min answering followers questions.
There are a few longer episodes including this on the Periodic Table.
He also has two separate Spanish podcasts I they’re called Accelerated Spanish and Learn Craft Spanish. The master of memory series hasn’t been updated for like 9 years as I believe he’s solely focusing on language learning now.
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Is encoding this necessary in the first place? Do you especially struggle with the endings?
If it is not, you’ll clutter your imagery for nothing.
Unless you’ll need to answer a question like “list all the elements finishing with -ium” but that would be strange.
A designer produced a set of comic characters for the elements:
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How would I know if it ends with ium or something else? I just feel like it would be efficient to code ium as ball since there are a lot of them? He - Helium for example:
Henrik (friend) sitting in ’heli’copter, how do I remember the ending?
A bad example since most of us know HE helium but you get it, theres a lot of ium endings but also alot of other ones.
Isn’t this more effective when learning it’s properties rather than abbrevation - element.
Not directly related to your question, but including in case it may be of use:
For a lot of elements we already know the name.
For example I already know the word “magnesium” because that’s what you have in chalk bags when you go climbing.
I just need to add that the abbreviation Mg.
So I just visualise a chalk bag with a few milligrams (Mg) of megnedium inside.
I find that choosing one object representing the daily use of the element (short research can give you where elements are in daily products) makes it easier to memorise. For elements I don’t know (well) the name of, a soundalike memnonic is usually sufficient. If I notice I make mistake while reviewing I can modify the mnemonic.
Less is more.
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I realise now that I’ve missunderstood the function of mnemonics, they’re supposed to be a hint and then practised. I have been wasting a lot of time now trying to create precise pictures when I should’ve ”done less” and practised.
He - Helium.
Helium balloon might be enough.
Ne - Neon.
A man in neon clothing.
Sc - Scandium
Snapchat ghost working at ”Scandic”.
This is what you’re recommending me right?
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Our brains are usually good at finishing words if we get a hint with the beginning.
I’d just do the simplest mnemonic possible and add something later for the ones you get wrong a few times.
It’s more efficient than complicated cluttered mnemonics.
But this may be a personal preference, just try several methods and see what works for you…
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Sorry our posts crossed.
Yeah better twenty quick sloppy mnemonics than one elaborate perfect one that you need to spend lots of time on (and that maybe your brain won’t remember because it wants to go with the first dumb thing that came to mind… our minds are funny things like that).
After all you can always modify the ones that don’t work for you later.
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Thank you so much! Great help.
Another thing I like is memorising the atomic numbers as well. Ideally with the major system or something similar.
For example in my system 12 is Lane, so it’s Lane going climbing with a few Mg of chalk in her pouch.
Even if I don’t really use the atomic number yet, I find it gives order to the elements in my brain. Brains like to order things.
And that way you can review without any notes/materials during downtimes just going through the numbers 1 to 118… Like counting sheep to sleep but with elements 
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Thank you. I’m learning the Sharper system right now but I’m not fluent yet & also I’m not studying anything related to chemistry. I think i’ll skip atomic number, not sure though. I’ll have to take a break for 2 weeks from tomorrow (exams), might change my mind. Is it annoying renewing objects in the memory palace? Say if I add atomic m later?
Numbers and memory palace are not exclusive. I do it inside my memory palace, it’s like numbering loci.
The only difference would be that the number is the mnemonic for me, like it’s the element personified, instead of an addition to a mnemonic.
But really as long as your system works and feels right for you, I don’t see any problems with just going with “normal” memory palace and adding more information later if you so wish.
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