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Periodic Table and the Elements Now we're getting to the heart and soul of the way your universe works. Elements are the building blocks of all matter. We talked about quarks in the atoms section. They are smaller than the atoms of an element, but only when they group with other quarks do they form atoms that have recognizable traits. Some quarks combine to make an oxygen (O) atom. Other quarks can combine to form a nitrogen (N) atom. It's the atoms that are different and unique, even though they are made of the same pieces. The Same Everywhere
As far as we know, there are only so many basic elements. Up to this point in time we have discovered/created over 100. While there may be more out there to discover, the basic elements remain the same. Iron (Fe) atoms found on Earth are identical to iron atoms found on meteorites. The iron atoms on Mars that make the soil red are the same too.
The point is... With the tools you learn here, you can explore and understand the universe. You will never stop discovering new reactions and compounds, but the elements will remain the same. 
The List of ElementsWe've got 18 to choose from. From the launch of the site we've been asked, "Why start with 18?" The rules for the first 18 elements are very straight-forward.(1) Electrons fit nicely into three shells. (2) These elements make up most of the matter in the universe. (3) It's a lot easier to remember facts about 18 elements than over 100 elements.
Who are we kidding? We teased you with only 18 elements for many years. We've added the next 18 elements from the fourth period. You need to remember that this is the first row with transition elements. Those transition metals have electron configurations that are a little different from the first 18. Make sure you understand the first 18 before you move on to this set.
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Go for site help or a list of chemistry topics at the site map!©copyright 1997-2007 Andrew Rader Studios, All rights reserved. Current Page: Chem4Kids.com | Elements and the Periodic Table | Overview |
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