Hunting the Elements Flashcards

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.

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!