Elements in nature are used for various purposes. Many people have a wrong conception that elements in nature are pure substances and it is not possible to classify them. It is true that elements in nature are made of atoms and molecules. But their chemical composition is very complex and is difficult to be classified into definite groups or compounds. However, one can make some useful deductions regarding the atomic and molecular composition by classifying different elements according to their chemical and physical properties.
Elements in nature are categorized into two forms: first is known as a Periodic Table and second is known as a Categorization. A Periodic Table contains arranged sets of elements which are regularly found together. The elements of this type are also referred to as Covalent metals. On the other hand, a Categorization consists of elements that vary according to their atomic number, but are generally found together. These elements are called “non-covalent” elements.
The classification of elements in nature is based on their periodic table representation. A periodic table is a system by which the properties of elements can be derived from their atomic number, mass, center of mass, terminal charge, polarity and other characteristics. A periodic table is a well-known symbol in chemistry, physics, astronomy and other fields of study. The periodic table represents all the elements of the periodic table by numbers. These numbers can be used for comparing different elements in nature to get the units of measurement according to which the element should be assigned.
Elements in nature are classified according to their distribution in space. The elements in the periodic table are arranged in a way that they lie along a plane which is a sphere. A graph represents the arrangement of the elements on this plane. This graph is known as a geometric mean, which is used for classifying elements in nature.
The elements in nature are further classified according to their chemical properties. There are literally thousands of elements in nature with different properties, but only a few are absolutely necessary for the existence of life on earth. There are two forces, known as electrostatic repulsion and attractive electric attraction that ensure the existence of elements in nature. The other force, known as the nuclear fission of elements serves the purpose of breaking apart the nuclei of elements to release their properties.
A particular element can be defined as any element having a definite number of protons (P), electrons (D) or positively charged or negatively charged atoms (S). The element’s atomic number is also considered as part of its periodic table representation. This has a great impact on the classification of elements in nature. The elements with the same atomic number but differ in the number of protons and electrons, or even negatively charge and positively charge atoms are considered as different elements in nature.
Elements are not only found in nature but are created by man’s ingenuity and need for elements. The process of creating elements is through nuclear fission or fusion of elements through a process where one type of element is mixed with another to form a new atom. Many elements in nature are produced by colliding nuclei of heavy elements. Once these elements collide, an explosion occurs and new elements are created.
Although many of the elements in nature have their origins in chemistry, there is another branch of science that ranks high on the list of elements in nature. Astrophysics is one such branch of science which uses elements to study the universe. The main source of elements for this field is the stars, white dwarfs and the universe itself. These special elements enable astronomers to study the universe and build up a detailed map of the environment of various celestial bodies. Astronomy is one branch of science that enjoys great popularity among the masses, thanks to the wonderful pictures it has helped to create. It has been an important part of the development of technology too, as many elements have been derived from stars and other natural sources.