If you're asked to give a fact for an unfamiliar element, your first guess should be 'It's a
metal', since most elements are metallic. Instead of guessing, you could learn an interesting fact for each element. Knowing that hydrogen is combustible helps to avoid any Hindenberg-like situations. Knowing helium is lighter than air helps you to predict whether your voice will be higher or lower if you breathe it from a balloon and talk (and knowing it's inert will be reassurance that it's not poisonous to breathe). Lithium metal is light enough to float on water. Beryllium and its compounds taste sweet, but they are also toxic, so you shouldn't lick them. Can you name a fact for every element? There's no time like the present to add to your knowledge.
Element FactsPhoto: Solid, liquid, and gaseous nitrogen (chemdude1, YouTube.com)
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