CHEMICAL ELEMENTS Meaning and
Definition
-
Chemical elements refer to the fundamental substances that make up all matter in the universe. They are pure substances made up of only one type of atom, the smallest unit of an element that retains its distinct chemical properties. At present, there are 118 known chemical elements, organized in the periodic table based on their atomic number and properties.
Elements are characterized by their unique number of protons in the nucleus of their atoms. This number is called the atomic number, which determines an element's position in the periodic table. Each element is denoted by a one or two-letter symbol, like H for hydrogen, O for oxygen, Fe for iron, etc.
Chemical elements occur naturally or can be produced artificially through nuclear reactions. They exhibit various physical and chemical characteristics, including melting point, boiling point, density, reactivity, and toxicity, among others. Some elements are classified as metals, which are typically shiny, malleable, and good conductors of heat and electricity, while others are nonmetals, which are generally poor conductors and can be brittle.
Chemical elements combine with one another to form compounds through chemical reactions, thereby creating the vast array of substances found in the world. Elements play a crucial role in diverse fields, such as chemistry, physics, materials science, and biology. Their properties and interactions are extensively studied to understand the composition and behavior of matter in the universe.
Etymology of CHEMICAL ELEMENTS
The word "chemical" is derived from the Middle English word "chemic", which comes from the Old French word "chymique" and the Medieval Latin word "chymicus". These terms originated from the Arabic word "al-kimia", which referred to the mystical science of transforming substances.
The term "element" has its roots in the Latin word "elementum", meaning "rudiment" or "principle". It was used to denote the basic building blocks of nature. The Latin word itself is derived from the ancient Greek word "stoicheion", meaning "fundamental principle" or "simple substance".
Therefore, the term "chemical elements" combines the Arabic influence on the word "chemical" with the Latin influence on the word "element".
