Hunting the Elements Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Where does an element take its identity from?

It gets its identity from tiny particles, its protons.

How much gold (Au) is extracted per ton of rock ore?

1 oz of gold per ton

How much does a gold (Au) bar weigh and how much is it worth?

It weighs 60 pounds and is worth 1.5 million dollars.

Why is copper (Cu) so widely sought on the world market?

Because it has good qualities like getting rid of bacteria and being malleable; Copper is also an indicator of the world economy. Signup and view all the answers

What is copper (Cu) combined with to make bronze?

Tin Signup and view all the answers

What makes metals like Copper (Cu) conductive to electricity?

They have free flowing electrons. Signup and view all the answers

What is an alloy and why are they preferable at times?

An alloy is a mix of metals. They are preferable because they are stronger. Signup and view all the answers

How does the atomic arrangement of atoms lead to its crystal structure?

Tin makes the copper ring. Signup and view all the answers

What is the atomic number and what does it indicate?

The atomic number is a fundamental organizer for the periodic table, indicating the number of protons and electrons. Signup and view all the answers

Most of the periodic table is made of what type of elements?

Metals Signup and view all the answers

How did early chemists like Mendeleev classify the elements?

By atomic weight Signup and view all the answers

How is the periodic table structured with regards to elements with similar properties?

Elements with similar properties are grouped together in families. Signup and view all the answers

What makes noble gases stable?

They have the maximum number of valence electrons. Signup and view all the answers

Why is an alkali metal element like Sodium (Na) so reactive?

Because it has an extra electron. Signup and view all the answers

What does chlorine (Cl-) do for sodium (Na+)? What tasty substance is produced?

Chlorine calms it down and makes salt. Signup and view all the answers

What powers explosions and fire?

Oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What elements are basic to all living things?

Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Sulfur (CHNOPS) Signup and view all the answers

Why is Carbon (C) so good for forming the structure of life?

It can form itself and lots of weight is carbon. Signup and view all the answers

What are at least three (3) other elements that are used for life functions and what are their uses?

Hydrogen - used for welding; Nitrogen - growth and reproduction in plants and animals; Oxygen - cutting metals. Signup and view all the answers

Why are cyanobacteria from places like volcanic pools so important for the production of oxygen in our atmosphere?

They produce oxygen to help us breathe. Signup and view all the answers

What was the original element formed moments after the Big Bang?

Hydrogen. The sun created higher order elements by fusion. Signup and view all the answers

How does silicon shape our technological reality?

Bringing life and beauty to life. Signup and view all the answers

How are rare earth elements like neodymium (Nd) important to our technological world?

Their identities are masked by their elemental shells. Signup and view all the answers

What is an isotope like Carbon-14?

An unstable form of Carbon. Signup and view all the answers

How can an isotope like Carbon-14 be used to date dead organisms?

By counting the atoms with a machine. Signup and view all the answers

What is an unstable radioactive isotope?

An unstable radioactive isotope is uranium. Signup and view all the answers

Why don't the man-made radioactive elements exist for very long?

They have too many neutrons and will decay. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Element Identity

An element's identity is determined by its protons.

Gold Extraction

Approximately 1 ounce of gold (Au) is extracted from each ton of rock ore.

Gold Bar Specifications

A gold (Au) bar typically weighs 60 pounds and holds a value of around 1.5 million dollars.

Copper Demand

Copper (Cu) is in high demand due to its antibacterial properties and malleability; it also serves as an economic indicator.

Bronze Composition

Bronze is an alloy made by combining copper (Cu) with tin.

Electrical Conductivity of Metals

Metals like copper (Cu) conduct electricity due to the presence of free-flowing electrons.

Alloys and Their Advantages

An alloy is a mixture of metals that offers increased strength compared to individual metals.

Crystal Structure of Bronze

In bronze, the tin atoms create a unique arrangement within the copper structure.

Atomic Number Significance

The atomic number is a fundamental classification system for elements in the periodic table, denoting the number of protons and electrons.

Composition of the Periodic Table

The majority of the periodic table consists of metals.

Historical Classification of Elements

Early chemists, such as Mendeleev, organized elements based on their atomic weight.

Family Grouping in Periodic Table

Elements with similar properties are grouped together in families within the periodic table.

Stability of Noble Gases

Noble gases achieve stability due to having the maximum number of valence electrons.

Reactivity of Alkali Metals

Alkali metals like Sodium (Na) are highly reactive because they possess an extra electron.

Role of Chlorine with Sodium

Chlorine (Cl-) stabilizes sodium (Na+), leading to the formation of table salt.

Role of Oxygen in Combustion

Oxygen is the vital element that powers explosions and fire.

Essential Elements for Life

Key elements for all living organisms include carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur (collectively known as CHNOPS).

Significance of Carbon

Carbon (C) is fundamental to life forms due to its ability to bond with itself and form complex structures.

Elements Used in Life Functions

Hydrogen: vital for welding
Nitrogen: crucial for growth and reproduction in plants and animals
Oxygen: plays a role in metal cutting

Importance of Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria, found in volcanic environments, significantly contributed to atmospheric oxygen production necessary for breathing.

Origin of Elements Post-Big Bang

Hydrogen was the original element formed after the Big Bang; higher-order elements were produced through fusion in the sun.

Role of Silicon in Technology

Silicon influences our technological landscape, enhancing both life and aesthetics.

Rare Earth Elements

Rare earth elements like neodymium (Nd) are essential in technology, often obscured by their electron shells.

Understanding Isotopes

An example of an isotope is Carbon-14.

Dating Organisms with Isotopes

Isotopes, such as Carbon-14, are utilized to date deceased organisms through atom counting methods.

Unstable Isotopes

Uranium serves as a prime example of an unstable radioactive isotope.

Longevity of Man-Made Radioactive Elements

Man-made radioactive elements tend to decay quickly due to an excess of neutrons.

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Test your knowledge about the elements with these flashcards. Each card presents a question about chemical elements, their properties, and their values. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike!