Elements

Elements are the smallest units of matter that can’t be divided using chemical means. They are the building blocks of matter. Learn the names of the elements and get facts about them.

These are the transition metals, according to the IUPAC definition. — The transition metals are the largest group of elements on the periodic table. They got their name because English chemist Charles Bury described a transition series of elements in 1921. Bury examined the transition from an inner electron layer with 8 electrons to a layer with 18 electrons and from […]

Transition Metals Definition, List and Properties

This entry was posted on January 29, 2019 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on February 18, 2019)

A neutral tritium atom contains one proton, two neutrons, and one electron. — Tritium is the radioactive isotope of the element hydrogen. It is also known as hydrogen-3 or using the shorthand notation T or 3H in chemical formulas and reactions. The nucleus of the tritium atom, called a triton, contains one proton and two neutrons. The word tritium comes from the Greek […]

Tritium Facts (Hydrogen Isotope)

This entry was posted on January 28, 2019 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on February 11, 2019)

Gallium Crystals (foobar) — Gallium is a chemical element with atomic number 31 and element symbol Ga. It is considered to be a post-transition metal or basic metal. Gallium is known for its low melting point, which lends itself to the gallium spoon demonstration and even melting the pure metal in your hand. Here […]

Gallium Element Facts

This entry was posted on January 18, 2019 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on January 18, 2019)

These are different samples of pure zinc. The metal is shiny metallic silver-gray when freshly cut. (Alchemist-hp) — Zinc is a silver-gray metal with element symbol Zn and atomic number 30. The element is essential for human life and widely used in commercial applications. These zinc facts include basic facts, chemical and physical properties, and interesting trivia about the element. Basic Zinc Facts Name: Zinc Atomic Number: 30 […]

Zinc Facts

This entry was posted on December 10, 2018 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on January 29, 2019)

Copper occurs in pure or native form. (Jonathan Zander) — Copper is a reddish transition metal with atomic number 29 and element symbol Cu. The element symbol comes from the Latin name for the element, cuprum. These copper facts include chemical and physical data, general information, and trivia. Basic Copper Facts Name: Copper Atomic Number: 29 Element Symbol: Cu Atomic […]

Copper Facts

This entry was posted on December 2, 2018 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on January 29, 2019)

Pure nickel is a silver metal with a slight yellow tinge. (Alchemist-hp) — Nickel is the chemical element with atomic number 28 on the periodic table with element symbol Ni. Its standard atomic weight is 58.6934 and its electron configuration is [Ar] 3d8 4s2 . It is a shiny silver transition metal that develops a slight yellow tinge upon exposure to air. Nickel is known […]

Nickel Facts – Atomic Number 28 or Ni

This entry was posted on November 19, 2018 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on January 29, 2019)