Elements have unique properties from "summary" of The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean
Each element on the periodic table has its own special set of characteristics, quirks, and behaviors that make it truly unique. These properties are what define an element and distinguish it from all others. For example, take the element helium. Helium is known for being incredibly lightweight and non-reactive, making it ideal for filling balloons and airships. It is so stable that it does not readily form compounds with other elements, unlike its neighbor hydrogen, which is highly reactive. Moving down the periodic table, we encounter elements like gold, which is prized for its lustrous yellow color and resistance to corrosion. Gold's unique properties make it a valuable material for jewelry and currency. In contrast, elements like uranium are known for their radioactive nature, which can be both harmful and beneficial, depending on how they are used. Uranium's ability to undergo nuclear fission has made...
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