Periodic table of topological invariants

So, you know how when you play with Legos, you can stack them on top of each other to make cool structures? Well, scientists like to play with different shapes and structures too, but instead of Legos, they use something called topology.

Topology is basically the study of shapes and how they can change without breaking or cutting them. Scientists use topology to study things like knots, curved surfaces, and even materials that conduct electricity really well.

One way scientists can study materials using topology is by looking at their "invariants." Invariants are like traits or characteristics that don't change when you mess with the shape or structure of a material.

Now, picture a big chart with all kinds of different invariants listed on it. This is the periodic table of topological invariants!

Just like how the periodic table of elements helps scientists understand how different elements behave and interact with each other, the periodic table of topological invariants helps scientists understand how different materials with different invariants behave and interact with each other.

It's a really complex and technical topic, but in simpler terms, scientists use the periodic table of topological invariants to explore and understand the hidden properties of materials that we can't see with our eyes.