Electrical properties vary between solids, liquids, and gases. Solids like metals are good conductors, while insulators like glass and plastics protect from electrical charges. Saltwater is a good conductor, while potable and distilled water are insulators. Gases like oxygen and nitrogen are non-conductive, but can become conductive under certain conditions. Electrical properties are the physical […]
Polystyrene is a widely used thermoplastic that can be molded into various shapes and colors. Its properties were first identified in 1839, and it became widely produced in the 1930s. It is often used for packaging and insulation, but it can leach carcinogenic compounds into food. While it is easily recyclable, it is not biodegradable […]
Chromium is a durable and corrosion-resistant element found in nature as chromite. It is used in alloys, surface finishes, and dyes/paints for its color properties. Chromium has seven isotopes, including a slightly radioactive one used in medical research. Chromium is an element named for its property of displaying colors. The element is what gives color […]
Carbon is an element found in various substances and compounds. Its properties include an atomic number of 6, different allotropes (graphite, diamond, and buckminsterfullerene), and the predictable decay of carbon-14, useful in radiocarbon dating. Carbon is an element. It is found in bulk, both on its own, in its allotropes, and as a constituent of […]
Iodine is a non-metallic halogen with a distinctive purple vapor and limited reactivity. It has antimicrobial properties and is a necessary nutrient for good health. Iodine is sparingly soluble in water and is found in the air, earth, water, and ocean. Its properties are used in food supplements, photography, and water purification. Iodine is also […]
Nitrogen is a stable, diatomic gas that makes up 78.1% of the Earth’s atmosphere. Its properties, including a strong triple electron bond and low boiling point, are important in human biology and industry. Nitrogen is also involved in the nitrogen cycle and can be dangerous if not handled properly. Nitrogen is the element with atomic […]
Graphite is a form of carbon with unique properties, including conductivity and anisotropic heat and sound conduction. It is used as a lubricant, in steel production, and in composite materials. Its name comes from its use in pencils, but it is not related to lead. Graphite is an allotrope of the element carbon, meaning it […]
Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless gas that is flammable and the lightest element known in nature. It is essential for life and has three isotopes. Its chemical properties make it highly reactive, and it is an important area of research as a fuel source. Fusion energy production relies on hydrogen compounds, but the process remains […]
Boron is a nonmetal with atomic number five and symbol B. It has various properties, such as capturing neutrons, extreme hardness, and several allotropes. Boron is found in nature in sodium tetraborate decahydrate and has 13 isotopes. Its strength makes it useful in aerospace and industrial abrasives, and it is used in semiconductors and nuclear […]
The properties of metals, including physical, chemical, and conductive properties, help define what makes a substance a metal. These properties vary between metals and are important in determining their uses, such as in frying pans or building materials. With more than 70 different types of metals on the planet, some may wonder what defines a […]
Seawater is mostly water but contains 3.5% dissolved salts, including sodium chloride. It is a different environment from freshwater, and many animals cannot adapt to living in both. Seawater contains various salts, including calcium chloride, sulfates, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and minor constituents. Extracting uranium or gold from seawater has not been economically viable. The salts […]
Oxygen is a highly reactive and abundant element essential for many chemical processes on Earth. It exists as a gas, liquid, and solid, with diatomic oxygen being the most common allotrope. Oxygen’s electronegativity and ability to form compounds make it important for life and combustion reactions. Oxygen is among the most abundant and important elements […]
Polypropylene is a popular thermoplastic used in nonwoven fibers and structural plastic products due to its non-toxic, non-staining nature, and low cost. It has high tensile strength, impact resistance, and can withstand high temperatures. Polypropylene is often used as an alternative to other plastics that contain BPA and can be recycled. Its properties can be […]
Water covers 70% of the Earth and is a vital substance for life due to its chemical structure. Its unique properties, such as its ability to dissolve substances and its high specific heat, make it a universal solvent. Pressure affects the boiling and freezing points of water. Water’s molecular structure allows it to float when […]
Petroleum refers to the product resulting from crude oil refining, used as a lubricant for vehicles and machinery. It can be produced in various grades and has dozens of additives. Its properties include reducing friction, carrying away heat, inhibiting corrosion, and cleaning away dirt and debris. The composition of crude oil varies by region, and […]
Magnesium is a common chemical element found in the earth’s crust and seawater. It is used in truck and automobile components and is highly reactive, flammable, and difficult to extinguish once ignited. Humans require magnesium for over 300 biochemical reactions, and plants require it for photosynthesis. Magnesium salts have many uses, including as a drying […]
Arsenic is a versatile element with various physical and chemical properties, including being both a metal and non-metal. It is known for its toxicity but has been used in industry and manufacturing, as well as herbicides, insecticides, and even medicinal and cosmetic products. Arsenic can cause accidental illness or death if ingested or inhaled and […]
Liquids are substances that can flow and take the shape of a container. They have physical and chemical properties that can be used to classify and identify them. Physical properties include viscosity, surface tension, boiling and freezing points, and density. Chemical properties include pH, conductivity, and flammability. A liquid is broadly defined as any substance […]
Chlorine is a greenish-yellow gas with atomic number 17 and symbol Cl. It is heavier than air and has strong oxidizing properties. Chlorine is produced industrially by electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride and is used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. It is toxic and corrosive, causing lung damage in high concentrations. Chlorine is essential […]
Helium is a chemical element with atomic number 2, a gas at nearly all temperatures and pressure conditions, with a low reactivity. It is used to fill balloons and airships and as a coolant for superconductors. It cannot exist as a solid or liquid at normal pressures. Helium is a chemical element with atomic number […]
