As I understand each element listed in the periodic table represents a unique type of atom so why are called "elements"? I know that each atom represents the simplest entity that can exist for each element. Also is it true that some elements can only exist in nautre of two or more atoms? Any help would be appreciated.
2006-11-30 10:05:06 · 3 answers · asked by Gideon 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Element talks about the chemical identity. How one atom is not like another.
Atom talks about the particular entities.
Element is a general term while atom is a specific term.
So you can speack of the element so and so and be describing the substance and its properties for example as that element is in all the universe.
2006-11-30 10:38:58 · answer #1 · answered by happyman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mendeleyev, who first organized the elements into the periodic table, made the discovery that properties of the elements were periodic - that certain properties happened at regular intervals according to atomic weight. So he arranged the elements periodically so that elements similar in property appear vertically.
2016-05-23 06:04:46 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Different, defined matter needs ways to tell them apart (names), thus elements. It puts a label on atoms of the same (different) types.
Yes it is true that some atoms can exist in nature only in pairs. The most common are: H, N, O, F, Cl, Br, and I. Astatine (As) also exists as a pair, however it is so rare that it is usually not mentioned.
It should also be noted that some metals in their gaseous state will exist in pairs (diatomic).
Get an "A".
2006-11-30 13:27:41 · answer #3 · answered by teachr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋