1. Oxygen ( O ) Colorless, odorless and tastless nonmetal. It is essential for breathing. It is the most abundant element on Earth. Oxygen ( O 2 ) is about 21% of the air. It is combined in water and in most rocks and minerals.

2. Carbon ( C ) It is an essential component of all life on Earth. Found in coal for fuel and the graphite in pencils. Hydrogen ( H ) It is the most abundant of all elements in the universe, constituting more than 90% of all atoms of the universe. Lightest gas known. Once used to fill the dirigible (blimps) but replaced once known to combust. Nitrogen ( N ) Nitrogen is a gas makes up about 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere.

3. Calcium ( Ca ) Found in milk, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and shellfish. Alkaline Earth Metal. 5 th most abundant element found in the earth’s crust. Helps build strong bones and teeth, helps nerve and muscle function. Necessary for blood clotting.

4. Magnesium ( Mg )  Found in raw leafy green vegetables, nuts, soybeans, and whole grains. Needed for healthy bones and blood vessels. Also used in the production of pyrotechnics and flares. Lighter than aluminum.

5. Chlorine/Chloride ( Cl ) Found in table salt (NaCl), olives, and seaweed. Component in gastric juice in stomach (HCl) and important in normal digestion. Also used to kill bacteria in pool water.

6. Potassium ( K ) Found in bananas, peanut butter, potatoes, orange juice, vegetables, dairy foods, dried fruits, meat, and sunflower seeds. Helps regulate body fluid balance. Needed for muscle contraction, and proper metabolism.

7. Sulfur ( S ) Found in dried beans, beef, clams, and cabbage. Required for the formation of certain amino acids, used to make hair and nails, and is important in activating may enzymes.

8. Chromium ( Cr ) Found in beef, liver, cheese, chicken, seafood, eggs, vegetables, potato skins, and whole grains. Silvery, metallic element used in making a hard, beautiful surface to prevent corrosion. Required for energy in the body.

9. Copper ( Cu ) Metal used to make brass & bronze. Good conductor of heat and electricity. Needed for healthy nerves, taste sensitivity, and healthy bone development. Found in organ meats, shellfish, nuts, fruit, and mushrooms.

10. Zinc ( Zn ) Found in meats, egg yolk, and milk. Needed for a healthy immune system. Maintains taste and smell. Protects liver from chemical damage.

11. Iron ( Fe ) Found in apricots, eggs, spinach, lima beans, beef, poultry, bread, and seafood. Necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, that carries oxygen in the blood. Metal that corrodes easily.

12. Phosphorus (P) Found in the nervous system, bones, and cell fluid (cytoplasm). Used to make safety matches, smoke bombs and pyrotechnics.

13. Fluorine/Fluoride ( F ) Found in apples, calf liver, cod, eggs, kidney, tea, and sardines. Important as a fluoride in prevention of dental decay and disease.

14. Iodine ( I ) Found in cod-liver oil, iodized salt, kelp, lobster, mushrooms, oysters, and different types of fish. Part of the basic structure of thyroid hormones that control the body’s rate of metabolism.

15. Gold SilverSilver Mercury Lead Aluminum Silicon Lithium Cobalt Nickel Boron Helium Arsenic