The entire world is made up of various Elements. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, everything is composed of a variety of elements. With time, these substances have proved to be highly useful and equally hazardous.
Elements like Silicon are responsible for advancing the technology sector and humanity as a whole. On the other hand, elements like Uranium are capable of causing mass destruction. So let's explore some lesser known facts about the wonderful world of Elements.
1. During the 19th Century, Match-makers suffered from a condition called 'Phossy Jaw' as they were exposed to high levels of white Phosphorus which ate away their jaw bones.
| Phossy Jaw victims illustration. |
2. Helium gets its name from the Greek god 'Helios' because the element was first discovered to be present in the Sun.
3. Carbon was named by Antoine Lavoisier in 1789. The Latin, English, French, German, Dutch and Danish words for Carbon, all mean the same: "coal"
4. Normally, freshwater contains about 6.04ml of Oxygen per litre, while sea water contains about 4.95ml of Oxygen per litre.
5. The total amount of Magnesium present on Earth is huge. It is enough to create a planet of the size of Mars.
6. In 1969, astronauts left behind a Silicon disc in a white pouch on the Moon. It contained microscopic messages from 73 countries wishing goodwill and peace.
7. The colour of the Jupiter's moon 'Io' is yellow due to the presence of Sulphur in a variety of states and forms.
| Jupiter's moon 'Io' |
8. James Chadwick discovered the neutron, and people started calling him Jimmy Neutron.
9. The Ancient Egyptians were the first to create artificial paints using minerals such as Iapis Iazuli, which were crushed to make blue paint.
10. Antimony is believed to be responsible for the early death of Mozart at the age of 35. It was present in the compound prescribed by his doctor to treat his depression.
Elements are the building blocks of life and human innovation. While in some cases, they are proved to be deadly, however their proper use can make astounding advancements in the field of science and technology.
