Element FAQs

Get the definition for a chemical element.

Have you ever wondered how the elements are named or why some elements have more than one name? Here's the answer to your question.

Find out if there are any elements left to be discovered and how they would be found.

Here's a handy mnemonic device to help memorize the symbols and sequence of the first nine elements in the periodic table.

Higher atomic number doesn't imply higher atomic mass. At least not always! Sometimes one element of lower atomic number can have a higher atomic mass. Learn about the effect of isotopic ratios on atomic mass.

Some elements have been made by man, but do not exist naturally. Have you ever wondered how many elements are found in nature? Here is the answer to the question.

What are elements? The chemical elements are central to the study of chemistry and other science. This is the definition of elements and an introduction to the elements.

See the symbols of the elements and learn how alchemists used them.

Do you know the chemical composition of the human body? Here's the list of elements, given in percentage according to weight.

You probably know the sun consists mainly of hydrogen and helium. Can you name the other elements found in our closest star?

It's easier to navigate the periodic table and write chemical equations and formulae once you know the symbols for the elements. Here's an alphabetical list of element symbols with corresponding element names.

The properties of the elements exhibit periodicity. Learn how to use the periodic table to predict the trends in atomic radius, ionization energy, electron affinity, and electronegativity.

s, p, d, and f are orbital names that stand for sharp, principal, diffuse, and fundamental. This summary tells more about orbitals and electronic structure.

Find out what elements are in the human body and what these elements do.

This is a list of element symbols and names that are placeholders for final names or else are no longer in use.

Are you confused about atoms, elements, protons, neutrons, electrons, isotopes, and ions? Here's a basic look at the model of the atom. It's a great overview for kids or anyone looking to grasp the essentials of atomic theory.

Are you confused about the difference between fluoride and fluorine or simply want to know what fluoride is? Here's the answer to this common chemistry question.

What is protium? Here's the answer to this common science and element question.

This is a table that shows the elemental chemical composition of the Earth's crust.

The elemental composition of the universe and the earth's crust are very different! How different? Take a look...

Some of the chemical elements were known to ancient man. Can you name them?

You can't do chemistry without it! Find element facts and figures and examine trends in groups of elements.

Learn about tin cry. Find out what tin cry is and why it occurs. Also, here is a demo in which you can make tin cry repeatedly.

There is one letter that is not found in the element names in the periodic table. Can you guess which letter it is? Here is the answer.

Alphabetical list of the chemical elements named after people.

Alphabetical list of elements in chemistry named for places or element toponyms.

There are 118 different elements currently on the periodic table. Several elements have only been found in laboratories and nuclear accelerators. How many elements can be found naturally in nature?