Elements 1

Elements Element: a pure substance that cannot be separated into simpler substances by physical or chemical means 91 elements occur naturally on earth Each has a unique name and symbol

Periodic Table All visualized on the periodic table Horizontal rows = periods Vertical columns = groups or families Elements in the same group have similar physical or chemical properties

Periodic Table

H = Hydrogen Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable The Hindenburg airship exploded because of a buildup of hydrogen gas!

He = Helium Helium is much less dense than air If you inhale Helium your voice will sound different

Li = Lithium Lithium is the lightest metal Lithium is used in most batteries

Be = Beryllium Beryllium is a metal that is very toxic when inhaled In combination with other elements it can form gemstones (emeralds)

B = Boron Pure Boron occurs in very low natural abundance Borates are used as insecticides

C = Carbon Carbon is present in all life forms Two types of carbon are diamond (very hard) and graphite (very soft)

N = Nitrogen Nitrogen makes up 78% of Earth’s atmosphere When Nitric and Hydrochloric acids are mixed they can dissolve gold!

O = Oxygen About 2.5 billion years ago Oxygen started to accumulate in the atmosphere Ozone protects the Earth from harmful UV radiation

F = Fluorine Fluorine is a yellow gas You probably get Fluoride treatments at the dentist to prevent tooth decay

Ne = Neon Colorless and odorless gas When exposed to low voltage it glows red-orange (neon signs)

Na = Sodium Pure Sodium is very reactive with water Sodium is an essential element for the functioning of your cells

Mg = Magnesium Magnesium is the lightest useful metal Magnesium is a co-enzyme for a lot of biological reactions

Al = Aluminum Most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust Aluminum is commonly used as a construction material in the aerospace industry

Si = Silicon Silicon is a really good conductor It is used in a variety of electronic devices

P = Phosphorus Phosphate is an essential component of DNA and RNA Many compounds containing Phosphorus are used as fertilizers

S = Sulfur Sulfur compounds smell like rotten eggs Sulfur is referred to as brimstone in the Bible

Cl = Chlorine Chlorine is a halogen gas Chlorine is used in pool maintenance to discourage algal growth

Ar = Argon A noble gas It is named after a greek word that means “lazy” because it doesn’t react with much

K = Potassium Is a salt Used in a variety of fertilizers and is essential to many biological processes

Ca = Calcium Calcium is found in bones and shells Drink your milk!

Ti = Titanium Titanium is a strong and corrosion- resistant metal Titanium is used in sports equipment to make them strong (tennis racket, bicycles)