| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| − | An '''element''' is a single type of [[atom]] as defined by its periodic number, which is the number of [[protons]] in its [[nucleus]].<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Physical Science''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000</ref> | + | An '''element''' is a single type of [[atom]] as defined by its [[periodic number]], which is the number of [[protons]] in its [[nucleus]].<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Physical Science''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000</ref> In contrast, a single element may have varying [[mass number]]s, relating to the number of neutrons in its nucleus. |
| | | | |
| − | [[Hydrogen]] has only one proton whereas [[uranium]] has 92. Uranium is the largest of the stable elements occurring in nature. | + | The element [[hydrogen]] has only one proton whereas the element [[uranium]] has 92, and there are elements with even more protons than that. However, uranium is the largest of the stable elements occurring in nature. |
| | | | |
| − | All known elements are listed on the [[periodic table]], with the heavier ones produced in a laboratory. | + | All known elements are listed on the [[periodic table]], with the heavier ones produced in a laboratory. Joining atoms of the same or different elements produces chemical [[compound]]s. The elements and their compounds make up all matter on the earth and quite possibly all matter outside of the earth as well. |
| | | | |
| − | Chemical [[compound]]s are made from joining atoms of the same or different elements.
| + | ==See also== |
| − | | + | *[[Periodic table of the elements]] |
| − | These elements and their compounds make up all matter on the earth and quite possibly all matter outside of the earth as well.
| |
| − | A single element may have varying mass numbers, relating to the number of neutrons in its nucleus.
| |
| | | | |
| | ==References== | | ==References== |
| | <references/> | | <references/> |
| − | ==See also==
| |
| − | *[[Periodic table of the elements]]
| |
| | | | |
| | [[Category:Elements]] | | [[Category:Elements]] |