The Elements: A Very Short IntroductionThis Very Short Introduction traces the history and cultural impact of the elements on humankind, and examines why people have long sought to identify the substances around them. Looking beyond the Periodic Table, the author examines our relationship with matter, from the uncomplicated vision of the Greek philosophers, who believed there were four elements - earth, air, fire, and water - to the work of modern-day scientists in creating elements such as hassium and meitnerium. Packed with anecdotes, The Elements is a highly engaging and entertaining exploration of the fundamental question: what is the world made from? ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. |
Contents
1 | |
How oxygen changed the world | 21 |
The glorious and accursed element | 40 |
Organizing the elements | 65 |
Making new elements | 91 |
Why isotopes are useful | 118 |
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Common terms and phrases
alpha amount ancient atmosphere atomic weight atoms became become billion body bomb bonds called carbon cent century changes charged chemical chemistry chemists claimed colour combine components compounds contains copper dating decay discovered discovery earth electrical electrons electrum elements emitted energy experiments fact fire four fundamental fusion gases gold Greek half-life hard heat heavy helium hydrogen idea iron isotope John kind known later Lavoisier lead less light London mass material matter means measure Mendeleyev’s mercury metals mineral mixture molecules natural needed neutrons nitrogen nuclear nucleus organisms oxygen particles Periodic Table phlogiston physical physicist planet positive principle produced properties protons provides pure radioactive rays reactions reason Rutherford scientists seemed separate shell showed silicon silver simply stable stars substance sulphur theory things tiny transformed turned University uranium