Scandium is named for Scandinavia, where the Vikings originate.  It was first discovered in minerals that came from Scandinavia.   next element                                        previous element

Calcium is found in bones, teeth and milk.  It is generally found in the form of hydroxyapatite, or Ca5(PO4)3(OH).  Calcium in the form of calcium carbonate, or CaCO3, is found in seashells.   next element                                        previous element

Bananas are a rich source of potassium.  The Latin name for potassium is “kalium”. 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   […]

Beryllium is found in emerald gemstones. Emeralds have the formula Be3Al2(SiO3)6 . The green color in emeralds comes from trace amounts of chromium or vanadium. next element                                           previous element

Lithium is used in batteries in cell phones. The flow of electrons through a lithium battery can be explained by the following reactions: Li (in graphite) –> Li+ (aq) + e– (half reaction at negative electrode) Li+ (aq) + e– –> Li (in CoO2 ) (half reaction at positive electrode) Overall reaction: Li(in graphite) –> […]