Sulfur

In my opinion the BEST element in the periodic table is:

Some Facts about Sulfur from the periodic Table are:

• Period Number: 3
• Group Number: 16
• Family: Chalogens

Chemical and Physical Properties

                   Physical Properties                                                    Chemical Properties

                              Solid                                                     Combustibility: creates blue flame 

                          Non-metal                                                 with strong odour

             Melting Point: 115o Celsius                                   Oxygen and Sulfur reacting

             Boiling Point: 444o Celsius                                    usually forms Sulfur Dioxide(SO2)

                   Colour: bright yellow

                          Odourless

Bohr Diagram of a Sulfur Atom

History of the Sulfur Atom

Sulfur had been discovered for a long time but it was first Antoine Lavoisier, who decided that sulfur should be an element. (when his decision was accepted, it was some time near 1777).

What is Sulfur's Importance/use?

Sulfur is oftenly used to make gunpowder, matches, fireworks, fertilizers, insecticides, etc. Sulfur also is an important factor in a lot of the proteins we eat. However, some sulfuric gases such as Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), or Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), can be potentially harmful to human health if too much of it is breathed in.

Example Compounds Formed With Sulfur

Sulfuric Acid H2SO4 Sulfurous Acid H2SO3 Hydrosulfuric Acid H2S Sulfur Trioxide SO3

Sulfur Dioxide SO2 Sulfur Hexafluoride SF6 Sulfur Fluoride S2F10 Sulfur Hexachloride SCl6

Sulfur Tetrafluoride SF4 Sulfur Dichloride SCl2 Sulfur Tetrabromide SBr4 Sulfur(II) Bromide S2Br2

Disulfur Trioxide S2O3 Disulfur Dichloride S2Cl2 Sulfur Hexabromide SBr6 Disulfur Trinitride S2N3

Sulfur Tetrachloride SCl4 Pyrosulfuric Acid H2S2O7 Sulfur Difluoride SF2 Tetrasulfur Dinitride S4N2

Persulfuric Acid (Caro S Acid) H2SO5 Tetrasulfur Tetranitride S4N4 Trisulfur Heptafluoride S3F7

Sulfur Dibromine SBr2 Sulfur Pentafluoride SF5 Sulfur Trifluoride SF3 Sulfuryl Difluoride SO2F2

Disulfur Hexoxide S2O6 Trisulfur Pentoxide S3O5 Hexasulfur Dichloride S2Cl6

Peroxydisulfuric Acid H2S2O8

However most of these are quite uncommon so these are the more recognizable ones:

• Sulfuric Acid H2SO4
• Sulfur Dioxide SO2
• Sulfur Hexafluoride SF6

Fun Facts About Sulfur

• Sulfur can be found in everyday foods such as dairy, eggs, garlic, coconut,etc.
• Those beautiful fireworks in the sky have sulfur in them (10% sulfur)
• Some natural disasters such as Volcanic Eruptions release large amounts of sulfur into the atmosphere

Neon                                                              Alex D.

This element on the periodic table is not only one of the most spectacular during a chemical reaction but is also in my opinion the most important.  Ever since the discovery of neon was discovered, it's been spread all over the world from country to county. It's usually seen on the sides of  building and in the front of stores to visually appeal customers.  The bright wonderful colours that beautifully flow across the neon filled sighs are one of the most breathe taking things you can see. 

More about Neon

Neon, also known as Ne is a element in the periodic table that is located in the group 8 , period 2 and is part of the noble gas family.  Being part of the noble gases means that the valence electrons are full.  This element is considered a non-metal and is not a reactive element because all of it's energy levels are full.  This means that the element does not react easily. It will only react when it is forced to.

History 

From the Greek work neos (new) came the word neon. Neon was discovered by Morris M. Travers, from England and Sir William Ramsay, from Scotland.  These 2 scientist discovered neon by the study of liquefied air soon after the element krypton was discovered in 1898. When they discovered Krypton they where expecting to find a lighter gas that would fit perfect in the empty space in the periodic table right above the element Argon (Ar). But ended up finding another element. So, they repeated the same experiment but changed one little part that had a huge affect. That's when Neon was discovered. Neon was between the 59 - 83 element to be found on the periodic table. 

                                                                   

Compounds

Neon is a very inert element. So for many years it was believed that there where no compounds that where formed from neon. But resent research is leading in the direction that neon has formed a compound with fluorine.  It is not 100% sure if it exist but optical and spectrometric studies have shown that these ions, Ne+, (NeAr)+, (NeH)+, and (HeNe+),  have been formed.

Uses for neon

Neon is used for a few reasons but the one main way neon is put to use is in bright vibrant signs.  A couple other ways neon is put to use is to make high voltage indicators and helium-neon lasers.  

Physical and Chemical Properties

The melting point of neon is -249° C and the boiling point of neon is 246.7° C. The density of Neon is 0.0009 g/cm³ and appears in a colourless gas.  The way you see neon on the street is very colourfull and can be any vibrant colour you think of, this happens when high electrical voltage is passed through the gas. This is neon's one main chemical property because when the element changes colour it is considered a chemical change.

Facts About Neon

Neon is the fifth most abundant chemical element in the universe and is very rare in the earths atmosphere. Only  0.0018% of earths atmosphere is neon.

References

"Neon - Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table." Neon - Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.

"The Element Neon." It's Elemental - The Element Neon. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.

"Neon." Properties of Matter Element Card: Neon. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus

Phosphorus in a red, powder form. (

      The element that I believe is the most important, is phosphorus.  Phosphorus is the sixth most abundant element in the human body, and is essential for all living organisms.  Not only is it crucial for life, but it is used in many other products, such as fertilizers, fireworks, toothpaste, detergents and matches.  Phosphorus can be found in many different forms such as a red powder, a white, waxy solid or colourless and transparent when pure.  Red, powdery phosphorus is a very reactive element in the air, which is why it is usually stored in water.  This element is used in matches and fireworks because of how reactive it is.  Phosphorus is very important for our health and it is necessary to have a proper amount of it.  It is found in milk, grains, and protein-filled foods such as cheese, beans and fish.  In the human body, this element works alongside calcium, in order to complete many tasks.  A healthy amount of phosphorus is needed in order to remain healthy, since it does so many things in the human body.  It helps to build strong bones and teeth, it plays a very important role in nucleic acids and cell membranes (healthline,2015), it helps filter out waste in the kidneys and plays a great role in the way that the body uses and stores energy.  Phosphorus is crucial for growth, maintenance and repair of cells and tissue, and for the production of things such as DNA and RNA, which are the factors that make us who we are.

Phosphorus was discovered in 1669 by a man named Hennig Brand, in Germany.  Hennig Brand was in the army in his early years, however he soon married a wealthy woman, and had enough money to pursue his passion; to find the Philosopher's Stone.  He discovered the element while doing a test, which he found in a book.  He believed that by doing this

test, he would find the substance that would be able to turn basic metals into gold.  It is believed that he would take urine, and evaporate it.  Once it was evaporated, there was a black residue left, and it was left to sit for a few months.  After a few months, the residue was heated, and a red oil formed on top.  He removed the red oil and left the black substance to cool down in a cellar.  Once both substances were cooled, they were mixed together and distilled.  The final mixture was exposed to oxygen, and upon exposure, it became very bright and caught on fire.  Hennig had discovered the white, waxy version of phosphorus.  He called it phosphoros which means “bringer of light” in Greek.  

Phosphorus is the 15th element, located on the periodic table in period 3 and group 15.  Its symbol on the periodic table is a P. It is located in group 15, as it needs 3 valence electrons in order to become stable, similar to the other elements in that group, including nitrogen and arsenic.  It has 15 protons, 16 neutrons and 15 electrons.  There are 3 energy levels in a phosphorus atom, with 5 valence electrons.  Phosphorus is a non-metal, so it can create both ionic and molecular compounds.  Some examples of compounds which this element can create are calcium phosphide (C3P2), phosphorus trichloride (PCl3), phosphorus pentasulfide (PS5).

Its physical properties include:

White, waxy:

Density-1.8g/cm3

Melting Point- 44.1 ℃

Boiling Point- 280℃

insoluble in water

phosphorescent

Red, powder:

insoluble in most liquids

Density- 2.34g/cm3

Its chemical properties include:

very reactive when exposed to oxygen

combines with metals to form compounds known as phosphides (Advameg, 2016)

Phosphorus Cycle

Phosphorus is naturally present in the Earth in the form of phosphates. It is found in certain types of rocks that are found in the ground, as well as soil and water. Phosphorus is needed for plant growth (another reason why it is so important), however there is only a very small amount that is naturally in soil, which is why farmers often use fertilizers. Animals take in phosphates trough the plants they eat, which is how this element naturally works its way through the food chain.

Over time, phosphates naturally weather away due to rain, and they make their way to the top of the soil, and are absorbed by the roots of plants, or are carried into bodies of water, where they eventually end up in the bodies of marine life. When a plant takes in the phosphates and is then eaten by an animal, the remains of the plant are decomposed by bacteria and fungi, and the remaining phosphates work their way back into the soil. When an animal is eaten by another animal, its remains are decomposed of by bacteria and fungi, similar to plants, and the remaining phosphates also work their way back into the soil of the Earth. This cycle repeats itself.

Interesting Facts:

Pure phosphorus is colourless. (Stephanie Pappas, 2016)

Meteorites may have brought phosphorus to the Earth. (Stephanie Pappas, 2016)

Phosphorus Video

Overall, phosphorus is a very unique, and essential element for our lives.  It provides us with many health benefits, and things that we need to live.  It has very special properties, which is what makes it so important to have on this Earth.  Without phosphorus, we would not be able to grow, nor would we even be able to exist as human beings.  

References:

 "Facts About Phosphorus." LiveScience. Purch, n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.  @healthline. "How Your Body Uses Phosphorus." Healthline. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.  "How One Man's Attempt to Create the Philosopher's Stone Out of Human Urine Led to the First Element Discovered Since Ancient Times." Today I Found Out. N.p., 28 May 2014. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.  "The Phosphorus Cycle." Sciencelearn Hub. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.   "Phosphorus Element Facts." Chemicool. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.  "PHOSPHORUS." Phosphorus, Chemical Element - Reaction, Water, Uses, Elements, Metal, Gas, Number, Name. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.  "Phosphorus." Properties of Matter Element Card: Phosphorus. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.  "Phosphorus." University of Maryland Medical Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.  Studios, Andrew Rader. "Cycling Phosphorus." Geography4Kids.com: BGC Cycles: Phosphorus Cycle. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.  Studios, Andrew Rader. "PHOS-PHO-RUS." Chem4Kids.com: Phosphorus: General Info and Everyday Items. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.  "Why Pee Is Cool - Entry #4 - "PeePee Portal to Phosphorus" or "What the Alchemists Did Right"" Science Minus Details. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.  Winter, Mark. "Phosphorus: The Essentials." Phosphorus»the Essentials [WebElements Periodic Table]. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen 

By:Caroline

Fig 1. Hydrogen on the periodic table.

       Hydrogen, also known as 'H' on the periodic table is the most simple, and most abundant element in the universe. The element is a colourless gas (non-metal,) with an atomic mass of 1. It is the very first element located in the alkali metal family, although it is not classified as a metal, and sits in the first period. Another important point about hydrogen is that it is known as its own "Group of One" due to the fact that it has one electron in its outer valence shell, just like sodium (Na,) Lithium (Li,) and potassium (K) but it is not a metal like these other elements. 

Fig 2. Bohr-Rutherford diagram of hydrogen.

Physical properties:

      Hydrogen is a tasteless, non-metallic, colourless, and odourless gas. It is the lightest element in the periodic table, with only 1 as its atomic mass. Hydrogen only has 1 proton, one electron, and contains no neutrons. The element has a density of 0.08988g/L. Hydrogen is normally a gas at standard temperature, with a melting point of -259.14 'C and a boiling point of -252.87 'C. It is more soluble in organic substances than in water.

Chemical properties:

      Hydrogen is the most flammable element located in the periodic table. At room temperature, hydrogen is not a reactive substance unless it has been forced or activated to do so. At high temperatures, hydrogen is a very reactive substance. 

                                                                        Discovery:

Fig 3. Henry Cavendish, the man who discovered hydrogen.

       Before hydrogen was officially discovered, it was constantly used and produced by scientists without them knowing what it was. In the beginning of the 1500's a physician named Paracelsus found that a flammable gas was released when iron fillings were added to sulphuric acid. In 1671, Robert Boyle, a philosopher made the exact same inspection. Paracelsus and Robert Boyle did not continue with their studies of the element, thus not getting the credits of discovering hydrogen. The credits of discovering hydrogen finally went to Henry Cavendish in 1766, when he preformed the same experiment as Paracelsus and Boyle, and collected the bubbles that were produced. When he collected the bubbles he proved that the mysterious gas was different from the well known gases at that time, and that when it is burned, it formed water. This also ended the belief that water was an element by itself. The name "hydrogen" meaning water-former was given to the element by Antoine Lavoisier in 1783.

Fig 4. Tank full of hydrogen gas.

General uses:

      The main use of hydrogen is as a 'clean' fuel source. Hydrogen is generated from water (H2O,) and can be returned back to its natural state when it is oxidised. It is now becoming a more popular source of energy and is being used in many methods of transportation. Some alternative uses of hydrogen are:

-Filling up air crafts, such as hot air balloons and air ships.

-The production of ammonia for fertiliser in agricultural situations.

-Coolant for batteries and engines.

-Hydrogenation of oils to form fats ex. margarine.

      Hydrogen is important not only in artificial circumstances (as explained above,) but it is also a necessity in the natural world. Most stars, and planets, including our sun, are compromised of hydrogen, and the element alone makes up about 70-75% of the universes mass. It is one of the key elements in water which is needed for life on Earth, and is one of the most common elements found in humans bodies. 

Typical compounds:

     Hydrogen is found in many compounds, and combines with a great amount of other elements to form compounds. Some of the main compounds formed with hydrogen are:

-Water (H2O)

-Hydrochloric acid (HCI)

-Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂₎

-Ammonia (NH₃₎

-Methane (CH₄₎

-Table sugar (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁₎

Extra information:

-Hydrogen is the only element that is capable of existing without any neutrons.

-Hydrogen is believed to be one element out of the three to be formed from the "Big Bang." The other two elements believed to be formed from this are helium (He) and lithium (Li.)

-Hydrogen has violent reactions with the elements oxygen (O,) chlorine (Cl,) and Fluorine (F.) 

-The lowest density of any liquid belongs to liquid hydrogen.

-Around 10% of the weight of any living organism is the element hydrogen. It is mainly located in the proteins, fats, and water inside of the organism.

-Most of the energy on the Earth is due to hydrogen. The fires that the sun gives off converts hydrogen into helium which in return, releases a great amount of energy used to heat the Earth. 

- The gas giant planets in our solar system, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, mainly consist of the element hydrogen.

Here is a video that explains hydrogen and important facts about it:
https://www.powtoon.com/online-presentation/beN4CUi1e3G/?mode=movie#/

References:
-Blaszczak-Boxe, Agata. "Facts About Hydrogen." LiveScience. Purch, n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016
-"Hydrogen - Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table." Hydrogen - Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.                         

-Gagnon, Steve. "The Element Hydrogen." It's Elemental - The Element Hydrogen. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.
-"Hydrogen Facts - Gas, Atom, Uses, Properties, Element H, Fuel Cell Car Engine." Hydrogen Facts - Gas, Atom, Uses, Properties, Element H, Fuel Cell Car Engine. Science Kids, 8 July 2016. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.
-"Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association." What Is Hydrogen? N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.
-"Water Treatment Solutions." Hydrogen (H) - Chemical Properties, Health and Environmental Effects. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.

Carbon

Carbon

Symbol: C

Number on Periodic Table: 6
Atomic Mass: 12.011

Diamond

Graphite

Number of Protons: 6

Number of Neutrons: 6

Number of Electrons: 6

Location on Periodic Table

Group 14 or Group IV out of the main 8 groups

Period 2

Class: Non-metal

Carbon is placed in group IV because it has four valence electrons and it is located in period two because its electrons are placed on two energy levels. This element is classified as a non-metal as it does not conduct heat or electricity very well, it is not ductile or malleable, and it has a large number of electrons in its valence shell.

Bohr-Rutherford Diagram

  

Physical Properties

Qualitative

Allotropic (the property of some chemical elements to exist in two or more different forms, in the same physical state): Two allotropes of carbon are diamond and graphite. The properties of carbon differ depending on the allotropic form.

Colour: Graphite- black and opaque    Diamond- colourless and transparent

State at Room Temperature: Solid

Texture: Brittle

Quantitative

Hardness: Graphite- very soft, can be scratched with fingernail (1-2 on Moh’s hardness scale)     Diamond- hardest material that exists, can only be scratched with another diamond (10 on Moh’s hardness scale)

Solubility: Insoluble in water, diluted in acids and bases.

Conductivity: Diamond has very low conductivity, graphite is a good conductor.

Density: Graphite- 2.25g/cm³   Diamond- 3.51g/cm³

Melting Point: Graphite- 3500ºC

Boiling Point: Graphite- 4830ºC

Chemical Properties

Carbon is very unreactive because, unlike the alkali and halogen group elements, it needs to gain, lose, or share many electrons. It does not react with water or acids. Graphite is non-flammable in bulk form, but in powder form it is combustible.

Compounds Formed

Due to the fact that carbon is an element that needs a large number of electrons to fill its valence shell, it can bond with many things in many ways. There are nearly 10 million known carbon compounds. Some more popular and more common compounds carbon forms are:
- Carbon Dioxide CO₂
-Carbon Monoxide CO
- Methane CH4
- Chloroform CHCl₃

- Carbon Tetrachloride CCl4

- Ethyl Alcohol C₂H₅OH

- Acetic Acid CH₃COOH

- Benzene C₆H₆

- Carbon Disulphide CS2

- Acetylene C₂H₂

- Benzene C₆H₆

Uses of Carbon

Some of the uses of carbon include:

• Hydrocarbons extracted as fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are used to produce energy.
• A small fraction of the above hydrocarbons is used as fuel for the petrochemical industries that produce polymers, fibres, paints, solvents, plastics, etc.
• Graphite, an allotrope of carbon, is used in pencils. It is used to make brushes in electric motors and in furnace linings.
• Carbon fibre is a very strong but lightweight material which makes it very useful. It is used in tennis rackets, skis, fishing rods, rockets, and airplanes.
• Amorphous carbon is used to make paints, inks, rubber products, and the cores of most dry cell batteries.
• Graphite can be used as a lubricant and is also used in the production of steel.
• Natural diamond, one of the allotropes of carbon, is typically used in jewelry. Commercial quality diamonds, which are made artificially, are used to make things like saw blades and other cutting/drilling tools.
• Carbon dioxide is an important greenhouse gas that helps trap heat in our atmosphere. Without it, our Earth would be too cold for life.
• A very important purpose of carbon is that it is the backbone of the molecules that make life possible.

History of Carbon

Carbon has been known and used since ancient times, although it wasn’t recognized as an element until much later. Its name comes from the latin word “carbo” which means “charcoal.” The earliest known use of carbon dates back to 3750 BC by the Egyptians and Sumerians who used charcoal as fuel.  The form of carbon, diamond, was also known and used since ancient times. However, it was not recognized that it was a form of carbon until 1772 when Antoine Lavoisier burned a sample of diamond and a sample of carbon and discovered that they both produce the same amount of CO2 per gram. Antoine is credited with naming carbon as an element. Graphite was found to be a form of carbon the same way. Carbon was first recognized as an element in the second half of the 18th century. More recently, in 1985, a new, fourth form of carbon called "buckministerfullerence" was created in a lab by Harold Kroto. It consists of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a way that is similar to the surface of a soccer ball. The three naturally occurring allotropes of carbon are graphite, diamond, and amorphous. 

The "Buckministerfullerence" Molecule

Carbon Facts

- There is an entire branch of chemistry, known as organic chemistry, that is devoted to the study of carbon and its compounds.
- Carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe.
- Carbon is present in all forms of life.
- Carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere have risen about 40% since the beginning of human industrialization.

Video

Why Is Carbon Important?

The most influential reason to why carbon is such an important element is that it is the key component to anything that is living. Carbon is the backbone of the molecules that make life possible. It can bond with many things in many ways as it only has four valence electrons allowing it to be the core atom of complicated structures that make living things. Carbon is also necessary as the form of carbon dioxide in the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Without this, plants wouldn't be able to grow and all living things wouldn't be able to release energy. Basically, carbon is so important because, without it, you wouldn't be reading this as no living things would exist. Carbon is also important because it is used to create many things. A very essential part of our lives today is electricity and energy which do things like heat our homes and allow us to drive cars. None of this would be possible if it weren't for fossil fuels which are made of carbon. Overall, carbon's many uses and versatility of structures it can form with itself and other atoms make it such an important element.

References

Periodic Table Picture :  Moss, G.P. "Periodic Table." Periodic Table. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2016.

Winter, Mark. "Carbon: The Essentials." Carbon»the Essentials [WebElements Periodic Table]. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2016.

Lenntech. "Water Treatment Solutions." Carbon (C) - Chemical Properties, Health and Environmental Effects. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.

NOAA Office of Response and Restoration, US GOV. "Search Chemicals." GRAPHITE (NATURAL) | CAMEO Chemicals | NOAA. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.

"History of Carbon." University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research - Carbon Materials - Carbon History and Timeline. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.

Jefferson Lab. "The Element Carbon." It's Elemental - The Element Carbon. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.