Common Elements

1. Common Elements

2. Hydrogen (H) • The simplest element • The most abundant element in the universe. Found mostly in stars. • One of the elements in water (H2O) • A major part of all living things.

3. Helium (He) • Second most abundant element in the universe. • Used in balloons, airships, and many scientific applications. • First observed in the Sun and later discovered on Earth

4. Carbon (C) • All living things are carbon based • A major part of fossil fuels • Combines with iron (Fe) to form steel

5. Nitrogen (N) • Most abundant gas in the atmosphere (78%) • Important part of all living things

6. Oxygen (O) • Second most abundant gas in the atmosphere (21%). • Major part of living things • One of the elements in water (H2O) • Makes up the majority of the Earth’s crust.

7. Sodium (Na) • Combines with chlorine (Cl) to form salt (NaCl) • Important part of animal diets. • Pure sodium reacts violently with water.

8. Silicon (Si) • Mostcommon metalloid • 2nd most abundant element in the Earth’s crust • Used in glass, ceramics, cement, and semiconductors • Also part of silicone rubbers and plastics

9. Phosphorus (P) • Required by all living things. • An important fertilizer. • White phosphorus will burst into flames when exposed to air and glow in the dark. • Red phosphorus is used to make matches

10. Sulfur (S) • Also known as “brimstone” • Important for all forms of life. • Causes onions, garlic, and skunk spray to have strong odors

11. Chlorine (Cl) • Combines with sodium (Na) to make salt (NaCl) • Chlorine is very poisonous to all forms of life, but small amounts are used keep drinking water safe • Chlorine is often used as a disinfectant.

12. Calcium (Ca) • The hard parts of animals (bones, teeth, shells, etc) usually contain lots of calcium. • Common in the Earth’s crust. • Found in limestone

13. Iron (Fe) • Most abundant element in the Earth’s interior • Most used metal • Combines with carbon (C) to make steel. • Combines with oxygen (O) in the air to form rust