Elements and Their Properties

B

"hard, black, shiny material then suddenly changes to brown powder" = metalloid; 2 energy levels; conducts electricity and heat poorly; used in control rods for nuclear reactors

Al

Most abundant metal in the Earth's crust; 3 valence electrons, 13 protons

S

bright yellow crystals

Cl

burns your nostrils and throat; diatomic halogen

He

clear gas; turns voice high pitched a squeaky; atoms of this element are also molecules

P

glow in the dark; occurs in teeth and bones as calcium phosphate

F

green-yellow gas; high electron affinity; help reduce tooth decay

Ne

inert (noble) gas; emits bright orange-red light

O

life-giving gas; 20% of normal air; diatomic gas

Be

light gray metal; used to reinforce other metals; melting point of 1300 (high melting point = solid metal)

Si

metalloid; semiconductor; makes sand- but not diamonds

H

most abundant element in the universe; simplest and lightest of all metals; transparent gas

N

no color, taste, odor; 80% of normal air; can be used to make laughing gas

Li

silver-gray metallic solid; very soft; burns your skin; reaction with water: momentarily floats, before causing a small explosion

Na

soft, white metal; low electron affinity; will replace hydrogen atoms when placed in water

C

solid; basic unit for all living things

Ar

thick, inert (noble) gas; 8 electrons in 3rd energy level

Mg

white solid; used in aerospace industries in alloys with other metals; burns brilliantly in the air; + ions