As far as we know, there are only so many basic elements. Up to this point in time we have discovered/created over 100. While there may be more out there to discover, the basic elements remain the same. Iron (Fe) atoms found on Earth are identical to iron atoms found on meteorites. The iron atoms on Mars that make the soil red are the same too.
Always loved chemistry. And physics. And while there will almost always be more elements out there to be discovered, just like some of the heaviest "man-made" elements, they are likely to be highly unstable - so you will never see them in your chemistry set.
Still - wouldn't it be fun if there was a new stable element discovered?
Posted by: Dr. Chem Guy on July 30, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Just to clarify, there are almost certainly no more elements out there to discover. Elements are made through a process called nucleosynthesis in stars and novae. And the manmade elements are, in fact getting more stable. Like electrons, neutrons and protons have stable shell closures called 'magic numbers'. There is an island of stability in the neighborhood of element 114 which can not be reached through naural processes.
Void your warranty, violate a user agreement, fry a circuit, blow a fuse, poke an eye out. Make: The risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things... Welcome to Make: Online!
Weekend Project: Pinhole Panoramic Camera
A sturdy, panoramic design pinhole camera that uses 120 film. Thanks go to Ross Orr for the original article in MAKE Volume 09. To download The Pinhole Panoramic Camera video video click here and subscribe in iTunes. Check out...
More...
Sign up for the Make: Newsletter
Our Make: Newsletter covers news from maker Media, has original columns, Shed deals, and more! You can also read the archives of past issues.
Somebody should really post a link to the Elements Song.
Reply to this comment
Always loved chemistry. And physics. And while there will almost always be more elements out there to be discovered, just like some of the heaviest "man-made" elements, they are likely to be highly unstable - so you will never see them in your chemistry set.
Still - wouldn't it be fun if there was a new stable element discovered?
Reply to this comment
Just to clarify, there are almost certainly no more elements out there to discover. Elements are made through a process called nucleosynthesis in stars and novae. And the manmade elements are, in fact getting more stable. Like electrons, neutrons and protons have stable shell closures called 'magic numbers'. There is an island of stability in the neighborhood of element 114 which can not be reached through naural processes.
I'm like Comic book guy meet chemistry nerd
Reply to this comment