Science 9
Study of an Element
The Periodic Table is a method of showing the chemical elements. The Periodic Table was
developed by Russian chemist Dimitri Mendeleev in 1869 to illustrate reoccurring trends
(“periodic”) in the trends of elements. For example, all elements in Column 1 have one
electron in their outer orbit. The layout of the Table has been altered and extended over
time as new elements were discovered.
Your Task:

Select an element from the Periodic Table

Using the Internet, your textbook or library resources, research your selected
element. Possible web sources include


Web Elements – Periodic Table at www.webelements.com

Pictorial Periodic Table at chemlab.c.maricopa.edu/PERIODIC/Li.html

ChemiCool at www.chemicool.com/elements
Prepare a short written summary containing information about your element (see
template). Your written summary should include the following components:

General chemistry information (e.g., Symbol, Atomic Number, Atomic Mass)

History (e.g., date of discovery, who discovered)

State of element MOST COMMON in nature

Diagram of element’s atomic structure (Planetary Model)

Physical properties (e.g., colour, density, hardness, melting point, ductility,
malleability, texture, shape (…such as helix, cube), smell, electromagnetivity)


Chemical properties (e.g., combustibility, reacts with air)

Uses and applications

Precautions (if necessary) for humans and the environment

Other information you found interesting
Prepare a creative presentation that highlights the key points listed above.
DUE DATE: ___________________________________________
Example:
Element Study of Potassium
Introduction
 The name of the element is Potassium
 Potassium is an Alkali Metal
General Chemistry
 The chemical symbol for potassium is K.
 Potassium’s Atomic Number is 19. This means potassium has 19 protons and 19 electrons.
The number of protons and electrons of the element must always be the same.
 The Atomic Mass of potassium is 39. This means potassium has 19 protons and 20 neutrons.
The total of 19 protons and 20 neutrons is 39.
History
 Potassium was discovered in 1807.
 It was discovered by Sir Humphrey Davey. He discovered potassium while processing
caustic soda using a process called electrolysis. Electrolysis is using electricity to cause a
chemical reaction. Potassium was the first alkali metal to be discovered via this process.
 Potassium has the symbol K because its name in Latin in kalium.
Most Common State in Nature (i.e., How does it occur naturally?)
 Potassium is a solid. It is a metal.
Atomic Structure
 The picture shows the electron configuration of potassium.
 Potassium has 19 protons and 20 neutrons found in the
nucleus (i.e., centre of the atom)
 In total, potassium has 19 electrons. Each electron is
represented by a black dot.
Physical Properties
 Colour is silvery-white. When burned, a colour of lilac is
given off.
 Melting Point is 63.65OC
 Boiling Point is 774.0OC – much higher than water (100OC)
 Density is how close the atoms are packed together. Potassium’s density is 0.862 g/cm3.
This is less than water.
 Hardness is low; potassium is a soft metal
 Potassium has no distinguishing smell
 At low concentrations (i.e., small amounts), potassium is sweet, but high concentrations (i.e.,
large amounts), potassium is bitter and salty. For this reason, large amounts of potassium
are not found in drinks.
 Texture is soft. Potassium can be easily cut with a knife


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Potassium is very malleable. This means potassium can be pounded into different shapes
very easily
Potassium is also very ductile. This means potassium can be stretched.
Potassium is a good conductor of electricity and heat.
Chemical Properties
 Potassium reacts with water
 Potassium is a strong reducing agent. That means it oxidizes in air and loses its outer orbit
electron very easily
Uses



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Potassium ions are necessary for the function of all living cells. It is the 9 th most common
element in our bodies. Potassium ions are a key mechanism in nerve transmission, and
potassium depletion in animals, including humans, results in many heart problems.
Potassium is used a lot as a fertilizers for plants
Potassium is commonly used to make glass, soaps and gunpowder
Major potassium chemicals are potassium hydroxide (KOH), potassium carbonate, potassium
sulfate, and potassium chloride.
 KOH is a very strong base. It is used as a cleaner.
Precautions
 Potassium is very reactive with water. The reaction produces a lot of heat and hydrogen
gas. It becomes so hot the hydrogen gas explodes. Safe lab practices (e.g., goggles) must
be used at all times.
 Potassium will burn in air. For this reason, potassium must be stored in oil.
 Potassium can burn your skin.
Other Facts
 Foods rich in potassium include parsley, dried apricots, dried milk, chocolate, various nuts
(especially almonds and pistachios), potatoes, bamboo shoots, bananas, avocados, soybeans,
and bran. Potassium is also present in smaller quantities in most fruits, vegetables, meat
and fish.
 Potassium makes up about 2.4% of the weight of the crust (i.e., rocks, soil, clay and sand) of
the Earth
 Potassium is the 7th most common element on Earth.
 Potassium makes up about 0.0003% of the entire Universe. In the Universe, potassium is
rare.
 You are about 0.2% potassium
 Potassium is very reactive. Due to this property, potassium is not commonly found by itself
in nature. Rather, it is usually in a compound (i.e., bonded to another chemical).
TEMPLATE for a report
TITLE___________________
Your Name: ___________________________
Introduction
 The name of the element is ___________________
 Other stuff (e.g., What Group on the Periodic Table does it
belong in?)
General Chemistry
 The chemical symbol is ____________________.
 Atomic Number is __________.
o This means ____________ has ____ protons and ____
electrons. The number of protons and electrons of the
element must always be the same.
 The Atomic Mass is ________.
o This means ____________________ has ____ protons
and ____ neutrons. The total of ____ protons and ____
neutrons is ____.
History
 It was discovered in __________.
 It was discovered by ______________________.
 It was discovered while
_________________________________________________
__.
 It has the symbol __________ because its name in Latin is
__________________.
Most Common State in Nature (i.e., How does it occur naturally?)
 ______________ is a _____________
Atomic Structure (**** insert a diagram ****)
 The picture shows the atomic structure of ________________.
 It has __________ protons and _________ neutrons found in
the nucleus (i.e., centre of the atom)
 In total, the element has _________ electrons. Each electron is
represented by a black dot.
Physical Properties
 Colour is ____________. When burned, a colour of
____________ is given off.
 Melting Point is _____________OC
 Boiling Point is _____________OC
 Density is how close the atoms are packed together. The
element’s density is ___________ g/cm3. This is __________
than water.
 Hardness is _________________
 The smell is _____________________
 Taste
 Texture is _______________
 Malleable means it can be pounded into different shapes very
easily
 Ductile means it can be stretched.
 It is a ______________ conductor of electricity and heat.
Chemical Properties
 Does it react with water?
 Does it explode or catch on fire?
 Does it react with air?
 Does it rust?
Uses
 List some common uses
Precautions
 List the major precautions (e.g., “Will it burn you?”, “Does it
cause blindness?”, “Does it make your sick?”)
 List safety gear you should use.
Other Facts
 Anything you found interesting (e.g., “Is it found in the Sun?”
“Do you need it to live?” “Is it used to make food last longer?”)