Weekly Stop by the Lab: Your weekly series for a quick look at curious facts about the chemical elements of the Periodic Table

Every Wednesday, I share some interesting and fun facts about a chemical element. If you've been stopping by, I’m sure you’ll remember some of the facts highlighted in this article. For those who haven't visited the Lab yet, I hope this compilation of the elements already covered sparks your curiosity.

#1 – Hydrogen (H)

Hydrogen can form weak bonds (called HYDROGEN BONDS) with other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, and fluorine. These bonds play a vital role in the structure and properties of several molecules – for example, ice floats because the hydrogen bonds push the frozen water molecules apart, making it less dense than liquid water. ??

#2 – Helium (He)

Inhaling helium alters the resonance of vocal cords, producing a cartoon-like voice. This occurs because sound travels faster in helium than in air. If you’ve never seen this effect, search for ‘helium voice’ on the web and have fun! ??

#3 – Lithium (Li)

Did you know lithium compounds are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder since the 1940s, helping manage mood swings and stabilizing the condition? They can also be used to treat other conditions, such as schizophrenia and some types of depression. ??

#4 – Beryllium (Be)

Beryllium is highly toxic, primarily in the form of its compounds. Prolonged exposure to Be dust, fumes, or powder can cause a serious lung condition known as chronic beryllium disease (CBD). Therefore, proper safety precautions are essential when handling it. ??

#5 – Boron (B)

Boron is one of the hardest known elements, surpassed only by diamond. Crystalline boron has a Mohs hardness* of 9.3, making it highly resistant to scratching and wear. ??

(* mineral's hardness scale ranging from 1 to 10)

#6 – Carbon (C)

Carbon is the building block of all known life forms on Earth. Organic compounds, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids (such as DNA and RNA), all contain carbon atoms. Amazing, right? ??

#7 – Nitrogen (N)

Have you heard about the “laughing gas”? It is nitrous oxide (N2O), which has euphoric effects when inhaled. It has been used as an anaesthetic in dentistry and surgery, and as a recreational drug due to its mild hallucinogenic properties. ??

#8 – Oxygen (O)

Oxygen is a diatomic gas, existing naturally as O2 molecules. This diatomic form is more stable and commonly found in the atmosphere. But we all know another form of oxygen–ozone (O3), consisting of three oxygen atoms–which plays a vital role protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The ‘famous’ ozone layer. ?

#9 – Fluorine (F)

Did you know fluorine is the most electronegative and reactive element on the periodic table? It readily reacts with almost all other elements to form compounds. Due to this high reactivity, fluorine is never found in its pure form in nature. ??

#10 – Neon (Ne)

An application of neon gas is in the medical field. It can be mixed with other gases to create a breathable atmosphere for individuals who require respiratory support or have specific lung conditions. ??

#11 – Sodium (Na)

I bet you immediately thought about sodium chloride, right? Or table salt if you prefer. Indeed, sodium is found in various minerals, seawater, and the Earth's crust, primarily in the form of sodium chloride (but also other sodium compounds). It is the sixth most abundant element on Earth. ??

#12 – Magnesium (Mg)

I bet you know that Magnesium's chemical symbol is ‘Mg.’ But can you guess where does this came from? Well, from the Greek word "magnesia," which refers to a region in Greece where magnesium ores were first discovered. Interesting, right? ??

#13 – Aluminium (Al)

Did you know aluminum was once considered a precious metal and was more valuable than gold and silver? Indeed, until the development of efficient extraction processes in the late 19th century, the extraction of aluminum was quite challenging. ??

#14 – Silicon (Si)

At this point, I am sure you have already thought about Silicon Valley. Right? ?? Located in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, Silicon Valley was named after the significant concentration of high-tech companies involved in the development and manufacturing of silicon-based electronic devices. This is due to the semiconducting properties of silicon, which made it extensively used in the production of computer chips, transistors, solar cells, and other electronic components.

#15 – Phosphorus (P)

Did you know phosphorus was isolated from urine in 1669, by the German alchemist Hennig Brand, being the first element to be discovered through chemical means. Cool, right? ??

#16 – Sulfur (S)

If you’ve ever been to a volcanic area–like the Azores, for example–I’m sure you still remember sulfur, although not for the best reason… Sulfur occurs naturally in those areas, where it is released during volcanic eruptions, and–yes!–it presents a distinctive, unforgettable smell, often described as rotten eggs. ??

#17 – Chlorine (Cl)

As a gas, chlorine is toxic and can be harmful when inhaled, having been used as a chemical weapon during World War I. However, in controlled and diluted forms, such as in water treatment, chlorine is safe for consumption and use. ?

#18 – Argon (Ar)

Do you know how argon was discovered? Lord Rayleigh and Sir William Ramsay were investigating, at University College London, why nitrogen extracted from the air was slightly denser than nitrogen produced by chemical means. Eventually, they identified argon as a new element in 1894–amazing, right? ??

#19 – Potassium (K)

Along with sodium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium, K is an electrolyte, meaning it helps conduct electrical impulses in the body and is important for nerve and muscle function.????

#20 – Calcium (Ca)

Calcium is an essential mineral in our diet, and I bet you’re already thinking about milk and dairy products–right? ???? That kind of products is a good source of calcium, yes. But if for some reason you cannot include them in our diet, don’t worry! Other foods, such as leafy green vegetables, tofu, and fortified plant-based milk, can provide Ca as well.??????

#21 – Scandium (Sc)

Can you try to guess where scandium was discovered? That’s right, Scandinavia! ?? By the Swedish chemist Lars Fredrik Nilson in 1879.

#22 – Titanium (Ti)

It must have something to do with the Titans of Greek mythology, right? ?? Indeed, that is where its chemical symbol, ‘Ti,’ is derived from, reflecting the strength and durability associated with this element.

#23 – Vanadium (V)

The exact role of vanadium in the body is still not fully understood, but trace amounts of this element have been found in certain enzymes and biological processes. Since this discovery, vanadium-based drugs have been developed targeting to treat different pathologies. ????

#24 – Chromium (Cr)

Do you know what gives emeralds their vibrant green color and rubies their deep red hue? Exactly! The presence of chromium. ??????

#25 – Manganese (Mn)

Did you know manganese is an essential nutrient for humans, plants, and animals? It is, playing a vital role in various biological processes, such as enzyme activation, bone development, and carbohydrate metabolism. ??????

#26 – Iron (Fe)

Let me just add another interesting fact: To enhance its properties, iron is often alloyed with other elements. The addition of carbon creates steel, which is stronger and harder than pure iron. But several other elements, such as chromium, nickel, and manganese–as we have already talked about, right???–can be added to form different types of steel with specific properties.

#27 – Cobalt (Co)

Cobalt was discovered in 1735. Its chemical symbol, ‘Co,’ is derived from its German name ‘Kobold,’ which means ‘goblin’ or ‘evil spirit.’ Why?? Because cobalt ores were often mistaken for silver ores, leading miners to believe that goblins or evil spirits had interfered. ????

#28 – Nickel (Ni)

Did you know that the United States five-cent coin is commonly known as the nickel? Five-cent pieces used to be very small silver coins (called half dimes), but due to shortages of silver during and after the American Civil War an alternative metal was needed for five-cent coinage, and the copper-nickel alloy still in use today was selected. ??????

#29 – Copper (Cu)

Can you name ‘the most famous’ copper artwork? The Statue of Liberty, exactly! Located in New York Harbor, it is made primarily of copper. Over time, the copper has developed a green patina, contributing to the statue's iconic appearance. ??

#30 – Zinc (Zn)

Zinc oxide is a versatile compound used in a wide range of applications. It is commonly used in sunscreens, cosmetics, ointments, and diaper rash creams due to its ability to block ultraviolet (UV) radiation and provide a protective barrier on the skin. ?????

#31 – Gallium (Ga)

Did you know gallium is a soft and malleable metal? It can be easily cut with a knife and shaped by hand. ?? Indeed, gallium has a very low melting point (29.76 oC / 85.57 oF) so it melts in our hand. This characteristic makes gallium a popular element for various scientific demonstrations and practical jokes. Search for the ‘melting spoon,’ for example.????

#32 – Germanium (Ge)

Did you know that high-speed transmission of information over long distances is possible due to optical fibers produced with germanium compounds? ??

#33 – Arsenic (As)

Despite being a highly toxic element, arsenic has a long history of use in various applications. The most ‘curious’ one is probably the use as a poison for political and criminal purposes in ancient times! ??

#34 – Selenium (Se)

Discovered in 1817, it was named after the Greek word ‘selene,’ which means ‘moon.’ Why? Due to its similarity in appearance to tellurium, which had already been discovered and named using the Latin word for ‘earth.’ Cool, right? ????

#35 – Bromine (Br)

The only nonmetallic element that is a liquid at room temperature, bromine is a dense, reddish-brown liquid with a strong, unpleasant odor–hence the name, from the Greek word ‘bromos,’ which means ‘stench’ or ‘stenchy odor.’??

#36 – Krypton (Kr)

Its name is derived from the Greek word ‘kryptos,’ meaning ‘hidden.’ ?? Why? Because it was initially challenging to isolate and discover it due to its low abundance in the Earth's atmosphere. (…) And it was precisely the idea of something rare and extraordinary that lead to the fictional planet where Superman ‘lives’ to be given the name Krypton. Did you know that? ????♂?

#37 – Rubidium (Rb)

The internal oscillation of rubidium atoms, however, is highly stable and can be used to measure time accurately. For this reason, rubidium is used in atomic clocks, particularly in small and portable devices. ?

#38 – Strontium (Sr)

Do you know the Scottish village of Strontian? Me neither ??, but this is where the mineral strontianite was first discovered and it is the origin of this chemical element’s name.

#39 – Yttrium (Y)

Another village to discover this week. This time Ytterby in Sweden, where a mineral containing yttrium was found. The chemical element was then named after the place. ??

#40 – Zirconium (Zr)

Zirconium and zirconia are biocompatible materials and are used in medical implants, such as dental crowns and hip replacements. They have excellent durability and can integrate well with the human body. ????

#41 – Niobium (Nb)

Did you know that this element was initially named ‘columbium’ after Columbia, the poetic name for the United States, but the name was later changed to niobium? ??

#42 – Molybdenum (Mo)

Most probably you are aware that molybdenum is an essential trace element for humans and many other organisms. But do you know why exactly? Well, it plays a crucial role in enzyme reactions, particularly in the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids. Molybdenum-dependent enzymes are involved in processes such as nitrogen fixation, detoxification, and the breakdown of certain drugs. ??????

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If you enjoyed reading these oddities, just schedule your #WeeklyStopByTheLab for each Wednesday and I promise to keep bring you interesting and fun facts! ??