Elements are the building blocks of all matter Elements are the simplest substance in the entire universe. Elements cannot be broken down into other substances by chemical or physical means (except by nuclear means) Some examples of elements are: Gold (Au), Oxygen (O), Copper (Cu), Calcium (Ca), Iodine (I), Chlorine (Cl), and Neon (Ne) Each element has certain properties which distinguishes it from other elements These properties are: boiling point & melting point, atomic mass, atomic number, etc. Elements have many uses: Examples: Boron (B) can be found in many soaps. Boron is often found in the compound known as borax and refined for other uses. Carbon (C) is used in printers ink. Paper is composed of Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O). The Periodic Table is organized into the following families: Alkali Metals Alkaline Earth Metals Transition Metals Poor Metals Rare Earth Elements Metalloids Non Metals Halogens Noble Gases Does not normally have any neutrons in its nucleus Most common element in the UNIVERSE!! 1 st column on the periodic table not including hydrogen. Very reactive metals always combined with something else in nature (like in salt). Soft enough to cut with a butter knife Reactive metals that are always combined with nonmetals in nature. Several of these elements are important mineral nutrients (such as Mg and Ca) Less reactive harder metals Good conductors of heat and electricity Includes metals used in jewelry and construction. Metals used as metal. Not as ductile and malleable as other types of metals Soft and dense solid at room temperature hard to isolate Contains Lanthanide and Actinide series High electrical conductivity Very reactive- some are radioactive have properties of metals and non-metals conduct electricity and heat better then non- metals but are not as good as metals. often used in semi- conductors for computer chips. ELEMENTS IN YELLOW!!!! have properties un-like those of metals. tend to be gasses or dull and brittle solids and they do not reflect light. cannot be rolled into wires and cant be pounded into sheet. poor conductors of heat and electricity. Very reactive nonmetals Always found combined with other element in nature. Used as disinfectants and to strengthen teeth. VERY unreactive gases (inert) Used in lighted neon signs Helium is used to lift balloons/blimps