Alkuaineisiin

Alkuaineisiin refers to chemical elements in Finnish. A chemical element is a pure substance consisting only of atoms that all have the same number of protons in their atomic nuclei. This number of protons, known as the atomic number, is unique to each element. For example, every atom with six protons is a carbon atom, and every atom with 26 protons is an iron atom. The concept of elements is fundamental to chemistry and physics.

The known elements are organized in the periodic table, which arranges them by atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. The periodic table currently lists 118 confirmed elements. Elements can exist as solids, liquids, or gases at standard temperature and pressure, and they can combine with each other to form compounds. For instance, hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water.

Most elements found on Earth are not found in their pure elemental form but rather as compounds. The study of elements, their properties, and their interactions is the basis of understanding the material world around us. Elements are classified into categories such as metals, nonmetals, and metalloids, based on their physical and chemical characteristics.