Matter Definition Chemistry - 4 Chemical Elements

Matter Definition Chemistry - 4 Chemical ElementsThere are a number of terms used in chemistry, such as chemical formula, molecular formula, and atoms. You may also hear the term element. Each of these is used to describe one of the four basic building blocks that make up the universe: the elements. You can think of the elements as a kind of subatomic 'tool' that helps to build the rest of the universe.The most familiar of the elements is the one we usually call water or H2O. We usually think of it as something for drinking, bathing, and showering in. But it is also used as a solvent to make things like soap, paint, and drywall.The next most common element is chlorine, which we drink, smoke, and breathe. Chlorine actually makes its own oxygen, but it is very corrosive, so it is a bad thing to drink. It is the element of a car exhaust system. Our atmosphere also contains quite a bit of chlorine, and it helps keep the surface of the Earth at a healthy pH.The third element is carbon dio xide, or CO2. This is the gas we breathe out, and also serves as a heat insulator when in areas where the temperature gets too hot. When an atom of this element bonds with another atom of oxygen, it becomes carbon.The fourth element is hydrogen. Hydrogen is used in gasoline, which is used to power vehicles. It is also used in rocket engines, to help them generate thrust. The part of hydrogen used in rocket fuel is also called 'hydrazine'.The fifth element is argon, which is the gas we breathe, and it is used to purge gases in nuclear reactors. This element is similar to oxygen, in that it is both a gas and an element. In fact, argon gas is also the gases that we breathe. The term 'argon' comes from 'archeon', meaning god.The sixth element is xenon, which have a specific function in nuclear reactors, but it is important to note that this particular element is inert. This means that it is not going to react with other things to make them radioactive. It is used to compress and ignite fuels in nuclear reactors.So far, you have learned about the various components of matter definition chemistry. This is an exciting subject that can be very interesting, as you learn all about the different atoms and how they are used to create things, from cars to planets, and even life.