Elements Essential for Human Life
We are learning about the elements of the periodic table this week. Of the 118 elements in the periodic table, only 33 are essential for the survival and well-being of humans. These are bulk elements (oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur), microminerals (sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, chlorine, and phosphorus), and trace elements (iron, lead, silicon, barium, zinc, molybdenum, rubidium, boron, copper, arsenic, strontium, cobalt, bromine, chromium, tin, nickel, manganese, selenium, iodine, lithium, aluminum, and vanadium).
First, view and then construct an atom in the simulation. What did you learn are the important components of the atom? What sub -particles are important?
Then, visit to view an interactive periodic table and then pick one element you find interesting that is important for humans.
Lastly, visit the , choose one of these 33 elements and consider the following questions as you post your initial response:
Which group and period are the element found in?
Is it a metal, nonmetal, or a metalloid?
What is the atomic number and mass number for this element?
How many protons, electrons, and neutrons does it have?
Why is it essential for human life?
Sample Solution
Building an Atom
Components of an Atom:
Through the simulation, I learned that the fundamental components of an atom are:
- Protons: Positively charged particles found in the nucleus.
- Neutrons: Neutral particles found in the nucleus.
- Electrons: Negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus.
The arrangement of these subatomic particles determines an element's properties and behavior.
Full Answer Section
An Essential Element: Iron (Fe) Element Analysis:- Group: 8 (VIIIb)
- Period: 4
- Metal: Transition metal
- Atomic Number: 26
- Mass Number: Approximately 56 (varies by isotope)
- Protons: 26
- Electrons: 26 (in a neutral atom)
- Neutrons: Approximately 30 (calculated as mass number minus atomic number)