Characteristics of an Element

An element is a pure chemical substance that cannot be broken down into simpler components. In other words, an element is the simplest chemical component that is yielded when a compound is broken down by chemical means. The fundamental characteristics of an element determine how the element behaves when interacting with other elements and compounds. This is very important because all the matter in the universe is composed of elements.

In nature, most elements are found in the combined state. This is because most elements react with each other and form bonds, which cause the rearrangement of electrons resulting in compounds with distinct chemical properties. The fundamental characteristics of an element determine the formation of these bonds and the resultant nature of the compounds. The characteristics are as follows.

Atomic number

The atomic number is one of the fundamental characteristics of an element. It determines where the element will be placed within the periodic table. The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom determines the atomic number of an element. An atom is said to be electrically neutral when the number of its electrons equals the number of its protons. The electrons decide the atom’s chemical behaviour since atoms form bonds by sharing and transferring electrons.

Atomic mass

This is the mass of an atom. It is expressed using atomic mass units or amu. The central portion of the mass of an atom is concentrated in the atom’s nucleus, with each proton or neutron weighing one amu. So in simpler terms, the mass of an atom is equal to the atom’s mass number. The mass number of the atom is the total number of particles in the atom’s nucleus. 

Density

The formula for density is the number of units of mass/unit volume of the substance. According to the scientific convention, density is symbolised by the Greek letter rho. The SI unit of density is kilograms per cubic meter. Temperature and air pressure influence the density of a substance, and hence the density of substances can be expressed graphically concerning these factors.

Boiling point

The point of temperature where a substance is in equilibrium between its liquid and gaseous state is known as its boiling point.

Ionic radius

When ions are packed together so that their outermost orbitals are in contact with each other and they form ionic crystals, the radius of a single ion in the ionic crystal is known as ionic radius.

Melting point

The temperature at which the solid form of a substance is in equilibrium with its liquid form is known as the substance’s melting point.

Standard potential

The potential of a redox reaction at equilibrium is known as standard potential. If the standard potential is more than zero, then the reaction is an oxidation reaction. When the standard potential is less than zero, it is a reduction reaction.

Electronegativity

The propensity of an atom to pull the electron cloud of another atom towards itself is measured by electronegativity. According to mathematical formulae and methods, it is not calculated in terms of definite mathematical values. Instead, it is represented on a pragmatic scale. Pauli developed a scale of electronegativity in 1932.

Conclusion

The fundamental properties of an element are a cornerstone of studies in chemistry. They help in understanding why certain elements behave the way they do. These fundamental characteristics determine the number of physical characteristics of an element. Understanding these characteristics, scientists can see that these characteristics have certain trends across the periodic table. This has been very helpful in predicting and discovering different elements. As of 2016, all 118 elements have been said to be discovered.