Elements & Atoms

Science: KS3, topic 2.1.6

Elements and Atoms

There are 118 different types of elements that humans have discovered and each one has its own chemical symbol. Atoms are the smallest pieces of an element that can exist. Examples of elements include:

Oxygen

Oxygen

  • The chemical symbol for oxygen is O.
Iron

Iron

  • The chemical symbol for iron is Fe.
Cobalt

Cobalt

  • The chemical symbol for cobalt is Co.

Test yourself on Elements & Atoms

  • Every known element has its own chemical symbol. What must scientists give to a brand new element they discover?

  • How many elements have been discovered?

  • Which chemical symbol represents the element helium?

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