So, what exactly is the quantum chemistry definition? It sounds fancy, right? Basically, it’s about using the weird rules of quantum mechanics to figure out how molecules work. Think of it as the ...

A chemical element is one of those squares on the periodic table that adorns many a classroom wall. Sure. But what is an element really? It is a more subtle question that you might realise. To get to ...

A basic building block of matter. There are 118 chemical elements, 94 of which occur in nature. The additional 24 are created in labs. See rare earth elements and isotope. THIS DEFINITION IS FOR ...

The periodic table is one of the triumphs of science. Even before certain elements had been discovered, this chart could successfully predict their masses, densities, how they would link up with other ...

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American We take it for granted that there exists a ...