Difference between revisions of "Element"
(Minor correction) |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
An '''element''' is a single type of [[atom]] as defined by its [[atomic 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. | An '''element''' is a single type of [[atom]] as defined by its [[atomic 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. | ||
| − | 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 | + | 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 naturally occurring element in nature. |
All known elements are listed on the [[periodic table]], with the ones with more protons than uranium 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. | All known elements are listed on the [[periodic table]], with the ones with more protons than uranium 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. | ||
Latest revision as of 16:53, September 7, 2016
An element is a single type of atom as defined by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in its nucleus.[1] In contrast, a single element may have varying mass numbers, relating to the number of neutrons in its nucleus.
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 naturally occurring element in nature.
All known elements are listed on the periodic table, with the ones with more protons than uranium produced in a laboratory. Joining atoms of the same or different elements produces chemical compounds. The elements and their compounds make up all matter on the earth and quite possibly all matter outside of the earth as well.
See also
References
- ↑ Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation With Physical Science. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000
