We all know there are many elements, and many of us may know their names and symbols, but beyond that, how much do we really know about the building blocks of our world?
First off, what is an element? An element is something that can't be broken down chemically into another substance.
To gain a better knowledge of the elements, here are some facts about them, including unique properties and their uses in the real world.
Hydrogen: Burns cleanly and is abundant in compounds on Earth (considered the fuel of our future)
Most abundant element (89% of atoms)
Hydrogen has the highest specific enthalpy of any known fuel (so liquid hydrogen was used with liquid oxygen to power space shuttle’s main rockets engines)
Lithium has the most negative standard potential. Due to its low density and high potential, it is great for lightweight batteries, like lithium-ion batteries.
Beryllium is used in windows for X-ray tubes. Because it has few electrons, thin sheets of it are transparent to X-rays. If small amounts of Be are added to copper, the tiny nonmagnetic parts can resist deformation and corrosion.
Aluminum has similar properties as Beryllium.
Magnesium is soft, but when alloyed with other metals, it can have great strength, and is very useful in cases that require lightness and toughness, like airplanes. Magnesium Oxide (MgO) can withstand high temperatures, can conduct heat well, but not electricity. Mg(OH)2 is used as a stomach antacid. Magnesium is also present in chlorophyll.
Calcium occurs in chalk and limestone as Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3). Ca(OH)2 can be used to remove ions (Ca2+) from hard water.
First off, what is an element? An element is something that can't be broken down chemically into another substance.
To gain a better knowledge of the elements, here are some facts about them, including unique properties and their uses in the real world.
Hydrogen: Burns cleanly and is abundant in compounds on Earth (considered the fuel of our future)
Most abundant element (89% of atoms)
Hydrogen has the highest specific enthalpy of any known fuel (so liquid hydrogen was used with liquid oxygen to power space shuttle’s main rockets engines)
Lithium has the most negative standard potential. Due to its low density and high potential, it is great for lightweight batteries, like lithium-ion batteries.
Beryllium is used in windows for X-ray tubes. Because it has few electrons, thin sheets of it are transparent to X-rays. If small amounts of Be are added to copper, the tiny nonmagnetic parts can resist deformation and corrosion.
Aluminum has similar properties as Beryllium.
Magnesium is soft, but when alloyed with other metals, it can have great strength, and is very useful in cases that require lightness and toughness, like airplanes. Magnesium Oxide (MgO) can withstand high temperatures, can conduct heat well, but not electricity. Mg(OH)2 is used as a stomach antacid. Magnesium is also present in chlorophyll.
Calcium occurs in chalk and limestone as Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3). Ca(OH)2 can be used to remove ions (Ca2+) from hard water.
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