Chemical element

From Engineering

A chemical element is a type of atom that is distinguished by its atomic number; that is, by the number of protons in its nucleus.

[edit] Periodic table

Common examples of elements, also shown in peridic table, are hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen.

[edit] Characteristics

Elements with atomic numbers 83 or higher (bismuth and above) are inherently unstable, and undergo radioactive decay. Of the first 82 elements, 80 have stable isotopes.

[edit] New elements

All chemical matter consists of these elements. New elements of higher atomic number are discovered from time to time, as products of artificial nuclear reactions.

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