(1) Elements are the building blocks of matter. (2) They are the simplest form of matter and cannot be further broken down using any chemical means. (3) They make up everything we see. (4) They come in solids, liquids, and gases. (5) They are arranged on the periodic table of elements.
(6) There are three different colors on the periodic table. (7) The color blue stands for metals, orange is for metalloids, and green is for non-metals. (8) The periodic table of elements have both columns and rows. (9) Columns are called groups or families and rows are called periods. (10) Columns are arranged from left to right. (11) On the left are the most chemically reactive, and as you move more and more to the right, they become less reactive. (12) All elements are chemically reactive except for noble gases. (13) They are listed in Column 18 of the periodic table. (14) The periods on the periodic table of elements are arranged by atomic number, least to greatest. (15) Hydrogen is the only element with an atomic number of 1.
(16) An atom makes up elements. (17) Pure elements contain only one type of atom. (18) Inside an atom, there are protons, electrons, and neutrons. (19) Protons and neutrons form the nucleus. (20) Electrons circle around the nucleus. (21) Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons have no charge, because they are neutral.
(22) When two metallic elements combine, they form an alloy. (23) Alloys are made up of more than one atom, because they are two different elements. (24) When two or more atoms combine, they are called molecules. (25) A molecule is the smallest part of a substance that still has the properties of that substance. (26) Alloys and molecules surround us every day.
(27) Elements are everything in life. (28) Without them, we wouldn’t have any planets, asteroids, stars, or solar systems. (29) Nothing would exist. (30) Elements even make up our bodies. (31) Therefore, elements may be the most important thing you will ever learn about.