Silicon is used to make integrated circuits, which are used to build computers and robots.   next element                                        previous element

Aluminum is a metal that is used in the manufacture of many components due to its low density and resistance to corrosion.  Toilets are comprised of porcelain, which in turn is made of kaolinite:  Al2Si2O5(OH)4. next element                      previous element

  Chlorophyll, the pigment that imparts a green color to plants, contains magnesium:  C55H72O5N4Mg next element                                previous element

When  a sodium atom loses an electron, it becomes a sodium ion: Na –> Na+ + electron Sodium ions are found in salt.  Thus, sodium ions are found in large quantities in ocean water. You might wonder why the symbol for sodium is “Na”.  The Latin name for sodium is “natrium”.   next element   […]

Neon exists as a monoatomic gas.  If electric current is passed through neon gas, the gas gives off a red glow.  This is now neon lights are made. next element                                            previous element

When a fluorine atom gains an electron, it becomes a fluoride ion: F + electron –> F– Teeth are often treated with fluoride.  This is because when fluoride substitutes for hydroxide in hydroxyapatite (the mineral in teeth), a stronger mineral results: Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 + 2 F– –> Ca10(PO4)6(F)2 + 2 OH– next element           […]

Oxygen is necessary for the combustion (burning) of carbon-containing fuels.  For example, the combustion of methane is represented by: CH4 (g) + 2 O2 (g) –> CO2 (g) + 2 H2O (g) Combustion of carbon-containing fuels is the primary source of energy for a variety of processes on earth.  Oxygen is also required for the […]

Nitrogen is found in large amounts in fertilizer.  One simple example of a nitrogen-containing explosive is nitrogen triiodide (NI3).   Nitrogen triiodide, like many explosives, forms N2 gas upon detonation: 2 NI3 (s) –> 3 I2 (g) + N2 (g) The formation of N2 (g) releases almost a megajoule per mole.  This energy release upon the […]

Carbon containing molecules make up living things.  Diamonds are made from carbon atoms arranged in a tetrahedral fashion.  A molecule called buckminsterfullerene is comprised of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a soccerball pattern. next element                                       previous […]

Boron, in the form of diboron trioxide (B2O3), is found in borosilicate glass.  Borosilicate glass is often used in laboratories, because it resists breaking when exposed to large temperature fluctuations. next element                                           previous element