Chemistry
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New, extremely reactive chemical discovered in the atmosphere
By Tom Metcalfe published
Millions of tons of a type of extremely reactive chemical can form in the atmosphere each year, with implications for health and the global climate.
Why does wood catch fire, but metal doesn't?
By JoAnna Wendel published
Burning is the release of energy, and some materials like metals, can absorb energy better than others, such as wood.
Scientists create weird pumpkin-shaped nucleus that vanishes in nanoseconds
By Stephanie Pappas published
A newly created isotope of the silvery metal lutetium has a strange squashed nucleus and a half-life of just a few hundred nanoseconds.
Copper: Facts about the reddish metal that has been used by humans for 8,000 years
By Stephanie Pappas published
Reference Here's a look at the element copper, including its atomic structure, history and uses today.
Uranium: Facts about the radioactive element that powers nuclear reactors and bombs
By Stephanie Pappas published
Reference Uranium is a naturally radioactive element. It powers nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.
Gold: Facts, history and uses of the most malleable chemical element
By Stephanie Pappas published
Here's a look at the chemical element gold, including its properties, atomic structure and history.
Periodic Table of Elements
By Tim Sharp, Jeanna Bryner published
The Periodic Table, first created by Dmitri Mendeleev, organizes all of the known elements in an informative array.
Scientists create never-before-seen isotope of magnesium
By Tom Metcalfe published
Scientists have just created the world's lightest form of magnesium — a never-before-seen isotope with just six neutrons in its atomic nuclei.
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