Now we're getting to the heart and soul of the way your universe works. Elements are the building blocks for all matter. We talked about quarks in the atoms section. They are smaller than the main components of an element such as electrons, protons, and neutrons. Only when those parts come together do we have atoms with recognizable traits. Some subatomic particles combine to make an oxygen (O) atom. Others can combine to form a nitrogen (N) atom. It's the elements that are different and unique, even though they are made of the same pieces.
We sometimes use the terms atom and element to mean the same thing. Remember that atom is the general term. Everything is made of atoms. The term element is used to describe atoms with specific characteristics. There are about 120 different elements. You are made up of billions and billions of atoms but you probably won't find more than 40 elements (types of atoms) in your body. Chemists have figured out that over 95% of your body is made up of hydrogen (H), carbon (C), nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca).
The Same Everywhere
As far as we know, there are only so many basic elements. Up to this point in time, we have discovered/created over 120. While there may be more out there to discover, the basic elements remain the same. Iron (Fe) atoms found on Earth are identical to iron atoms found on meteorites. The iron atoms on Mars that make the soil red are the same too. With the tools you learn here, you can explore and understand the Universe. You will never stop discovering new reactions and compounds, but the elements will remain the same.
The List of Elements
We've got eighteen elements to choose from. Since the launch of the site, we've been asked, "Why start with 18?" We only have eighteen, because the rules for the first eighteen elements are very straightforward:(1) Electrons fit nicely into three shells. Remember that the shells are the places you will find the electrons as they spin around the nucleus.
(2) These elements make up most of the matter in the Universe.
(3) It's a lot easier to remember facts about 18 elements than over 100 elements.
| Element 1: Hydrogen Element 2: Helium Element 3: Lithium Element 4: Beryllium Element 5: Boron Element 6: Carbon Element 7: Nitrogen Element 8: Oxygen Element 9: Fluorine | Element 10: Neon Element 11: Sodium Element 12: Magnesium Element 13: Aluminum Element 14: Silicon Element 15: Phosphorus Element 16: Sulfur Element 17: Chlorine Element 18: Argon |
Who are we kidding? We know you want information on more than eighteen elements. We've added the next 18 elements from the fourth period (row) of the periodic table. You need to remember that this is the first row with transition elements. The transition metals have electron configurations that are a little different from the first 18 elements. Make sure you understand the first 18 before you move on to this set.
| Element 19: Potassium Element 20: Calcium Element 21: Scandium Element 22: Titanium Element 23: Vanadium Element 24: Chromium Element 25: Manganese Element 26: Iron Element 27: Cobalt | Element 28: Nickel Element 29: Copper Element 30: Zinc Element 31: Galium Element 32: Germanium Element 33: Arsenic Element 34: Selenium Element 35: Bromine Element 36: Krypton |
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