chemical element

Table of Contents

Introduction
General observations
Historical development of the concept of element
The atomic nature of the elements
- The structure of atoms
- The existence of isotopes
Origin of the elements
- Cosmic abundances of the elements
  - Stars and gas clouds
  - Cosmic rays
  - Solar system
  - Summary of observations
- Processes producing heavier elements
  - Reaction stages reflecting increasing temperature
    - Hydrogen burning
    - Helium burning
    - Carbon and oxygen burning
    - Silicon burning
    - Reversible nuclear reaction equilibrium
  - Neutron capture
- Regions of element synthesis
  - Element production in the universe as a whole
  - Element production in stars
  - Element production in massive objects
- Radioactive chronologies
Geochemical distribution of the elements
- Terrestrial distribution
  - The Earth’s core
  - The Earth’s mantle
  - The Earth’s crust
    - Igneous rocks
      Major components
      Elements of minor and trace abundance
    - Sedimentary rocks
    - Metamorphic rocks
    - Ore deposits
    - Mineral fuels
    - Soils
  - The hydrosphere
    - Composition of seawater
    - Circulation of water through the hydrosphere
    - Geochemical balance of seawater over time
  - The atmosphere
    - Composition
    - Geochemical history
- The geochemical cycle
  - Early history of the Earth
  - Results of magmatism, sedimentation, and metamorphism

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chemical element

Written by J.J. Lagowski, Brian H. Mason•All

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Also called:: element

Key People:: Lothar Meyer; Antoine Lavoisier; Dmitri Mendeleev; Louis Bernard Guyton de Morveau; Joseph Loschmidt

Related Topics:: rare-earth element; isotope; transition metal; periodic table; hydrogen

See all related content

chemical element, any substance that cannot be decomposed into simpler substances by ordinary chemical processes. Elements are the fundamental materials of which all matter is composed. This article considers the origin of the elements and their abundances throughout the universe. The geochemical distribution of these elementary substances in the Earth’s crust and interior is treated in some detail, as is their occurrence in the hydrosphere and atmosphere. The article also discusses the periodic law and the tabular arrangement of the elements based on it. For detailed information about the compounds of the elements, see chemical compound. At present there are ...(100 of 18829 words)

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