Elements

An element is a substance made of only one atom and cannot be broken down. An element is a type of atom that is defined by its atomic number; that is, by the number of protons in its nucleus. The term is also used to refer to a pure chemical substance composed of atoms with the same number of protons.

In the universe, there are alot of different elements. The most abundant element is Hydrogen, followed by Helium, then Oxygen, Carbon, Neon, Iron, Nitrogen, Silicon, Magnesium and lastly Sulfur.

Uncommon Elements

Berkelium

Berkelium is a member of the actinide group, which comprises the 14 chemical elements with atomic numbers from 90 to 103. Its atomic number is 97 and its symbol is Bk. Its colour is silver. It can be attacked by oxygen, steam and acids but not by alkalines. It is a radioactive element which tends to accumulate in the skeletal system.

Beryllium

Its symbol is Be and its atomic number is 4. It has the ability to scratch glass which is probably due to the formation of a thin layer of the oxide. Although beryllium products are safe to use and handle, the fumes and dust released during fabrication are highly poisonous. Its uses includes for watch spring, space shuttle parts, welding electrodes, X-ray tubes, computer lasers, televisions, oceanographic instruments etc.

Bismuth

Its symbol is Bi and its atomic number is 83. It is a white, crystalline, brittle metal with a pinkish tinge. Bismuth's thermal conductivity is lower than any metal, with the exception of mercury. It has the highest atomic weight and atomic number among all the nonradioactive elements. Its uses are for fuses, fire extinguishing systems, acrylic fibers etc.