Science
What Are Elements and Why Are We Finding New Ones?
Discover what chemical elements are, why scientists are racing to create new ones, and how these fundamental building blocks of matter shape our world.
What is it?
A chemical element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into a simpler substance by chemical means. Each element is defined by the number of protons in its atoms' nuclei, known as the atomic number. All 118 known elements are arranged on the periodic table, which organizes them based on their atomic structure and chemical properties. From the oxygen we breathe to the carbon that forms the basis of life, elements are the fundamental building blocks of all matter in the universe.
Why is it trending?
The study of elements is trending due to the global scientific race to create new, superheavy elements. Researchers are pushing the boundaries of the periodic table, with recent breakthroughs in 2024 paving the way for the synthesis of the undiscovered element 120. Success would add a new row to the periodic table. This pursuit is fueled by the search for a theoretical "island of stability," where it's predicted that superheavy elements could be stable enough for scientists to study and potentially find novel applications for them.
How does it affect people?
Elements are essential to every part of our existence. Just six elements—oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus—make up roughly 99% of the human body. We depend on elements for the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. They are also the foundation of modern society and technology, from the silicon in computer chips to the iron used in construction and the lithium in batteries. Everything we see and touch is composed of different combinations of these essential building blocks.