Sign in Subscribe

< Back

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

element

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

An element is a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. It is made up of atoms, which are the smallest particles of an element that still have the same properties of that element. Each element has a unique atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of its atom.

Elements are the building blocks of matter. Everything in the universe is made up of elements, either by themselves or in combination with other elements. There are over 100 elements, and they are organized on the periodic table of elements. The periodic table shows the elements in order of their atomic number and groups them together based on their properties.

Elements can be classified into three main groups: metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. Metals are shiny, good conductors of heat and electricity, and tend to be solid at room temperature. Nonmetals are dull, poor conductors of heat and electricity, and tend to be gases or liquids at room temperature. Metalloids have properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals.

Elements are important because they are the basic building blocks of matter. They can be combined to form new substances, called compounds, with different properties from the elements that they are made up of. This makes elements essential for life and for the many technologies that we use every day.

How can the word be used?

The elements are the basic building blocks of matter.

element

Different forms of the word

Noun: element, component, ingredient.

Adjective: elemental, elementary.

Verb: to elementate, elementalize.

Synonym: constituent, factor, part.

Antonym: whole, entirety, totality.

Etymology

The word "element" comes from the Latin word elementum, which means "first principle" or "basic substance".

Question

What is an element?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Discuss the concept of an element and its significance in the periodic table. Explain how elements are distinguished by their unique properties, such as atomic number and atomic mass. Describe the organization of elements in the periodic table based on their similarities and trends in properties. Provide examples of different elements and their applications in everyday life and industry.

Answer:

An element is a pure substance composed of atoms with the same number of protons in their nucleus. Each element is distinguished by its unique properties, such as atomic number (the number of protons) and atomic mass (the sum of protons and neutrons). The periodic table is a systematic arrangement of elements based on their atomic number, revealing recurring trends in their chemical properties.

Elements in the same group or column exhibit similar chemical behaviour due to shared electron configurations. Elements in the same period or row have their electron shells arranged in similar patterns.

Examples of elements with everyday applications include hydrogen in fuel cells, oxygen for respiration, carbon in organic compounds, and iron in construction materials. Industrially, elements like copper and aluminium are used in electrical wiring and aviation, respectively.

Understanding elements and their arrangement in the periodic table is fundamental in chemistry, helping scientists predict and explain chemical reactions and discover new materials and compounds for various applications in medicine, technology, and industry.