12.10.2019
Rating of the most important chemical elements and compounds
There is the most common chemical element and the most common substance on our amazing planet, but there is the most common chemical element in the vastness of the universe.
The most common chemical element on Earth
On our planet, the leader in prevalence is oxygen. It interacts with almost all elements. Its atoms are found in almost all rocks and minerals that form the earth's crust. Modern period The development of chemistry began precisely with the discovery of this important and paramount chemical element. Scheele, Priestley and Lavoisier share the credit for this discovery. Disputes about which of them is the discoverer have been going on for hundreds of years, and still have not stopped. But the very word "oxygen" was introduced by Lomonosov.It accounts for a little more than forty-seven percent of the total solid mass of the earth's crust. Bound oxygen makes up almost eighty-nine percent of the mass of fresh and sea water. Free oxygen is found in the atmosphere, making up about twenty-three percent by mass and nearly twenty-one percent by volume. At least one and a half thousand compounds of the earth's crust contain oxygen. There are no living cells in the world that do not have this common element. Sixty-five percent of the mass of every living cell is oxygen.
Today, this substance is received industrially from air and deliver it under pressure of 15 MPa in steel cylinders. There are other ways to get it. Spheres of application - food industry, medicine, metallurgy, etc.
Where is the most common element found?
It is almost impossible to find a corner in nature where there would be no oxygen. He is everywhere - in the bowels, and high above the Earth, and under water, and in the water itself. It is found not only in compounds, but also in the free state. Most likely, it is precisely because of this that this element has always been of interest to scientists. 
Geologists and chemists are studying the presence of oxygen in combination with all elements. Botanists are interested in studying the processes of nutrition and respiration of plants. Physiologists have not fully figured out the role of oxygen in the life of animals and humans. Physicists seek to find new way its use to create high temperatures.
It is known that regardless of whether it is hot southern air or cold air of the northern regions, the oxygen content in it is always the same and amounts to twenty-one percent.
How is the most common substance used?
As the most abundant known substance on the planet, water is used everywhere. Everything is covered and permeated by this substance, but it remains little studied. An in-depth study of it modern science started relatively recently. Scientists have discovered many unexplainable properties of it. 
Without this most common substance, not a single economic activity person. It's hard to imagine Agriculture or industry without water, just as without this substance, nuclear reactors, turbines, power plants, where water is used for cooling, will not work. For domestic needs, people use from year to year an increasing amount of this substance. So a man of the Stone Age per day was quite enough ten liters of water. Today, at least two hundred and twenty liters are used daily for the share of each inhabitant of the Earth. People consist of eighty percent water, every day everyone consumes at least one and a half liters of liquid.
The most common chemical element in the universe
Three-fourths of the entire universe is hydrogen, in other words, this is the most common element in the universe. Water, being the most common substance on our planet, consists of more than eleven percent hydrogen. 
IN earth's crust hydrogen by mass is one percent, however, by the number of atoms - as much as sixteen percent. Such compounds as natural gases, oil and coal cannot do without the presence of hydrogen.
It should be noted that in the free state this common element is extremely rare. On the surface of our planet, it is present in small quantities in some natural gases, including volcanic ones. There is free hydrogen in the atmosphere, but its presence there is extremely small. It is hydrogen that is the element that creates the radiative internal earth belt like a stream of protons.
But the largest star in the universe has a diameter of 1,391,000. .
Subscribe to our channel in Yandex.Zen
We all know that hydrogen fills our Universe by 75%. But do you know what other chemical elements are that are no less important for our existence and play a significant role in the life of people, animals, plants and our entire Earth? Elements from this rating form our entire Universe!
Sulfur (prevalence relative to silicon - 0.38)
This chemical element in the periodic table is listed under the symbol S and is characterized by atomic number 16. Sulfur is very common in nature.
Iron (prevalence relative to silicon - 0.6)
Denoted by the symbol Fe, atomic number - 26. Iron is very common in nature, especially important role it plays in shaping the internal and outer shell core of the earth.
Magnesium (prevalence relative to silicon - 0.91)
In the periodic table, magnesium can be found under the symbol Mg, and its atomic number is 12. What is most surprising about this chemical element is that it is most often released when stars explode in the process of their transformation into supernovae.
Silicon (prevalence relative to silicon - 1)
Referred to as Si. The atomic number of silicon is 14. This gray-blue metalloid is very rare in the earth's crust in its pure form, but is quite common in other substances. For example, it can be found even in plants.
Carbon (prevalence relative to silicon - 3.5)
Carbon in Mendeleev's table of chemical elements is listed under the symbol C, its atomic number is 6. The most famous allotropic modification of carbon is one of the most desirable precious stones in the world - diamonds. Carbon is also actively used in other industrial purposes for a more everyday purpose.
Nitrogen (abundance relative to silicon - 6.6)
Symbol N, atomic number 7. First discovered by Scottish physician Daniel Rutherford, nitrogen occurs most commonly in the form of nitric acid and nitrates.
Neon (abundance relative to silicon - 8.6)
It is designated by the symbol Ne, the atomic number is 10. It is no secret that this particular chemical element is associated with a beautiful glow.
Oxygen (abundance relative to silicon - 22)
A chemical element with the symbol O and atomic number 8, oxygen is indispensable for our existence! But this does not mean that it is present only on Earth and serves only for human lungs. The universe is full of surprises.
Helium (abundance relative to silicon - 3.100)
Helium symbol is He, atomic number is 2. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and its boiling point is the lowest among all chemical elements. And thanks to him, the balls soar up!
Hydrogen (abundance relative to silicon - 40.000)
The true number one on our list, hydrogen is on the periodic table under the symbol H and has atomic number 1. It is the lightest chemical element. periodic table and the most common element in the entire universe studied by man.
It was a sensation - it turns out that the most important substance on Earth consists of two equally important chemical elements. "AiF" decided to look into the periodic table and remember what elements and compounds the Universe exists, as well as life on Earth and human civilization.
HYDROGEN (H)
Where does it meet: the most common element in the universe, its main "building material". It is made up of stars, including the sun. Thanks to thermonuclear fusion involving hydrogen, the Sun will heat our planet for another 6.5 billion years.
What is useful: in industry - in the production of ammonia, soap and plastics. Great prospects in hydrogen energy: this gas does not pollute environment, because when burned, it gives only water vapor.
CARBON (C)
Where does it meet: Every organism is largely built from carbon. In the human body, this element occupies about 21%. So, our muscles consist of 2/3 of it. In the free state, it occurs in nature in the form of graphite and diamond.
What is useful: food, energy, etc. etc. The class of compounds based on carbon is huge - hydrocarbons, proteins, fats, etc. This element is indispensable in nanotechnology.
NITROGEN (N)
Where does it meet: Earth's atmosphere is 75% nitrogen. It is part of proteins, amino acids, hemoglobin, etc.
What is useful: necessary for the existence of animals and plants. In industry, it is used as a gas medium for packaging and storage, a refrigerant. With its help, various compounds are synthesized - ammonia, fertilizers, explosives, dyes.
OXYGEN (O)
Where does it meet: The most common element on Earth, it accounts for about 47% of the mass of the solid earth's crust. Marine and fresh water 89% oxygen, the atmosphere - 23%.
What is useful: Thanks to oxygen, living beings can breathe; without it, fire would not be possible. This gas is widely used in medicine, metallurgy, Food Industry, energy.
CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
Where does it meet: In the atmosphere, in sea water.
What is useful: Thanks to this compound, plants can breathe. The process of absorbing carbon dioxide from the air is called photosynthesis. It is the main source of biological energy. It is worth recalling that the energy that we receive from the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) has been accumulated in the bowels of the earth for millions of years precisely due to photosynthesis.
IRON (Fe)
Where does it meet: one of the most common in solar system elements. It consists of the cores of the terrestrial planets.
What is useful: metal used by man since ancient times. A whole historical era was called the Iron Age. Now up to 95% of the world production of metals falls on iron, it is the main component of steels and cast irons.
SILVER (AG)
Where does it meet: One of the scarce items. Previously met in nature in a native form.
What is useful: Since the middle of the 13th century, it has become a traditional material for making dishes. It has unique properties, therefore it is used in various industries - in jewelry, photography, electrical engineering and electronics. The disinfecting properties of silver are also known.
GOLD (Au)
Where does it meet: previously found in nature in a native form. Produced at the mines.
What is useful: the most important element of the world financial system, since its reserves are small. It has long been used as money. All bank gold reserves are currently valued
at 32 thousand tons - if you fuse them together, you get a cube with a side of only 12 m. It is used in medicine, microelectronics, and nuclear research.
SILICON (Si)
Where does it meet: In terms of prevalence in the earth's crust, this element ranks second (27-30% of the total mass).
What is useful: Silicon is the main material for electronics. It is also used in metallurgy and in the production of glass and cement.
WATER (H2O)
Where does it meet: Our planet is 71% covered with water. The human body is 65% composed of this compound. There is water in outer space, in the body of comets.
What is useful: It is of key importance in the creation and maintenance of life on Earth, because due to its molecular properties it is a universal solvent. Water has many unique properties that we do not think about. So, if it did not increase in volume when it freezes, life simply would not have arisen: reservoirs would freeze to the bottom every winter. And so, expanding, lighter ice remains on the surface, retaining a viable environment under it.
We all know that hydrogen fills our Universe by 75%. But do you know what other chemical elements are that are no less important for our existence and play a significant role in the life of people, animals, plants and our entire Earth? Elements from this rating form our entire Universe!
10. Sulfur (prevalence relative to silicon - 0.38)
This chemical element in the periodic table is listed under the symbol S and is characterized by atomic number 16. Sulfur is very common in nature.
9. Iron (prevalence relative to silicon - 0.6)
Denoted by the symbol Fe, atomic number - 26. Iron is very common in nature, it plays a particularly important role in the formation of the inner and outer shells of the Earth's core.
8. Magnesium (prevalence relative to silicon - 0.91)
In the periodic table, magnesium can be found under the symbol Mg, and its atomic number is 12. What is most surprising about this chemical element is that it is most often released when stars explode in the process of their transformation into supernovae.
7. Silicon (prevalence relative to silicon - 1)
Referred to as Si. The atomic number of silicon is 14. This gray-blue metalloid is very rare in the earth's crust in its pure form, but is quite common in other substances. For example, it can be found even in plants.
6. Carbon (abundance relative to silicon - 3.5)
Carbon in Mendeleev's table of chemical elements is listed under the symbol C, its atomic number is 6. The most famous allotropic modification of carbon is one of the most coveted gems in the world - diamonds. Carbon is also actively used in other industrial purposes for a more everyday purpose.
5. Nitrogen (abundance relative to silicon - 6.6)
Symbol N, atomic number 7. First discovered by Scottish physician Daniel Rutherford, nitrogen occurs most commonly in the form of nitric acid and nitrates.
4. Neon (abundance relative to silicon - 8.6)
It is designated by the symbol Ne, the atomic number is 10. It is no secret that this particular chemical element is associated with a beautiful glow.
3. Oxygen (abundance relative to silicon - 22)
A chemical element with the symbol O and atomic number 8, oxygen is indispensable for our existence! But this does not mean that it is present only on Earth and serves only for human lungs. The universe is full of surprises.
2. Helium (abundance relative to silicon - 3.100)
Helium symbol is He, atomic number is 2. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and its boiling point is the lowest among all chemical elements. And thanks to him, the balls soar up!
1. Hydrogen (abundance relative to silicon - 40.000)
The true number one on our list, hydrogen is listed under the symbol H and has atomic number 1. It is the lightest chemical element on the periodic table and the most abundant element in the entire known universe.
The simplest and most common element
Hydrogen has only one proton and one electron (it is the only element without a neutron). It is the simplest element in the universe, which explains why it is also the most abundant, Nyman said. However, an isotope of hydrogen called deuterium contains one proton and one neutron, while another, known as tritium, has one proton and two neutrons.
In stars, hydrogen atoms fuse to create helium, the second most abundant element in the universe. Helium has two protons, two neutrons and two electrons. Together, helium and hydrogen make up 99.9 percent of all known matter in the universe.
Yet there is about 10 times more hydrogen in the universe than helium, says Nyman. “Oxygen, which is the third most abundant element, is about 1,000 times smaller than hydrogen,” she added.
Generally speaking, the higher the atomic number of an element, the less of it can be found in the universe. 
Hydrogen in the Earth
The composition of the Earth, however, is different from that of the Universe. For example, oxygen is the most abundant element by weight in the earth's crust. It is followed by silicon, aluminum and iron. In the human body, the most abundant element by weight is oxygen, followed by carbon and hydrogen.
Role in the human body
Hydrogen has a number of key roles in the human body. Hydrogen bonds help DNA stay twisted. In addition, hydrogen helps maintain the correct pH in the stomach and other organs. If your stomach becomes too alkaline, hydrogen is released as it is associated with the regulation of this process. If the environment in the stomach is too acidic, hydrogen will bind to other elements. 
Hydrogen in water
In addition, it is hydrogen that allows ice to float on the surface of water, since hydrogen bonds increase the distance between its frozen molecules, making them less dense.
Typically, matter is denser when it is in a solid state rather than liquid, Nyman said. Water is the only substance that becomes less dense as a solid. 
What is the danger of hydrogen
However, hydrogen can also be dangerous. Its reaction with oxygen led to the crash of the Hindenburg airship, which killed 36 people in 1937. Besides, hydrogen bombs can be incredibly destructive, although they have never been used as a weapon. Nevertheless, their potential was demonstrated in the 1950s by countries such as the USA, USSR, Great Britain, France and China.
Hydrogen bombs, like atomic bombs, use a combination of nuclear fusion and fission reactions to cause destruction. When they explode, they create not only mechanical shock waves, but also radiation.
It was a sensation - it turns out that the most important substance on Earth consists of two equally important chemical elements. "AiF" decided to look into the periodic table and remember what elements and compounds the Universe exists, as well as life on Earth and human civilization.
HYDROGEN (H)
Where does it meet: the most common element in the universe, its main "building material". It is made up of stars, including the sun. Thanks to thermonuclear fusion involving hydrogen, the Sun will heat our planet for another 6.5 billion years.
What is useful: in industry - in the production of ammonia, soap and plastics. Hydrogen energy has great prospects: this gas does not pollute the environment, because when burned, it gives only water vapor.
CARBON (C)
Where does it meet: Every organism is largely built from carbon. In the human body, this element occupies about 21%. So, our muscles consist of 2/3 of it. In the free state, it occurs in nature in the form of graphite and diamond.
What is useful: food, energy, etc. etc. The class of compounds based on carbon is huge - hydrocarbons, proteins, fats, etc. This element is indispensable in nanotechnology.
NITROGEN (N)
Where does it meet: Earth's atmosphere is 75% nitrogen. It is part of proteins, amino acids, hemoglobin, etc.
What is useful: necessary for the existence of animals and plants. In industry, it is used as a gas medium for packaging and storage, a refrigerant. With its help, various compounds are synthesized - ammonia, fertilizers, explosives, dyes.
OXYGEN (O)
Where does it meet: The most common element on Earth, it accounts for about 47% of the mass of the solid earth's crust. Marine and fresh waters are 89% oxygen, the atmosphere is 23%.
What is useful: Thanks to oxygen, living beings can breathe; without it, fire would not be possible. This gas is widely used in medicine, metallurgy, food industry, energy.
CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
Where does it meet: In the atmosphere, in sea water.
What is useful: Thanks to this compound, plants can breathe. The process of absorbing carbon dioxide from the air is called photosynthesis. It is the main source of biological energy. It is worth recalling that the energy that we receive from the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) has been accumulated in the bowels of the earth for millions of years precisely due to photosynthesis.
IRON (Fe)
Where does it meet: one of the most abundant elements in the solar system. It consists of the cores of the terrestrial planets.
What is useful: metal used by man since ancient times. A whole historical era was called the Iron Age. Now up to 95% of the world production of metals falls on iron, it is the main component of steels and cast irons.
SILVER (AG)
Where does it meet: One of the scarce items. Previously met in nature in a native form.
What is useful: Since the middle of the 13th century, it has become a traditional material for making dishes. It has unique properties, therefore it is used in various industries - in jewelry, photography, electrical engineering and electronics. The disinfecting properties of silver are also known.
GOLD (Au)
Where does it meet: previously found in nature in a native form. Produced at the mines.
What is useful: the most important element of the world financial system, because its reserves are small. It has long been used as money. All bank gold reserves are currently valued
at 32 thousand tons - if you fuse them together, you get a cube with a side of only 12 m. It is used in medicine, microelectronics, and nuclear research.
SILICON (Si)
Where does it meet: In terms of prevalence in the earth's crust, this element ranks second (27-30% of the total mass).
What is useful: Silicon is the main material for electronics. It is also used in metallurgy and in the production of glass and cement.
WATER (H2O)
Where does it meet: Our planet is 71% covered with water. The human body is 65% composed of this compound. Water is also in outer space, in the body of comets.
What is useful: It is of key importance in the creation and maintenance of life on Earth, because due to its molecular properties it is a universal solvent. Water has many unique properties that we do not think about. So, if it did not increase in volume when it freezes, life simply would not have arisen: reservoirs would freeze to the bottom every winter. And so, expanding, lighter ice remains on the surface, retaining a viable environment under it.
The universe hides many secrets in its depths. Since ancient times, people have sought to unravel as many of them as possible, and, despite the fact that this does not always work out, science is advancing by leaps and bounds, allowing us to learn more and more about our origin. So, for example, many will be interested in what is the most common in the universe. Most people will immediately think of water, and they are partly right, because the most common element is hydrogen.
The most common element in the universe
It is extremely rare that people have to deal with hydrogen in its pure form. However, in nature it is very often found in association with other elements. For example, when hydrogen reacts with oxygen, it turns into water. And this is far from the only compound that includes this element; it is found everywhere not only on our planet, but also in space.
How did the earth come into being
Many millions of years ago, hydrogen, without exaggeration, became building material for the entire universe. After all, after the big bang, which became the first stage of the creation of the world, there was nothing but this element. elementary, because it consists of only one atom. Over time, the most abundant element in the universe began to form clouds, which later became stars. And already inside them reactions took place, as a result of which new, more complex elements appeared that gave rise to the planets.
Hydrogen
This element accounts for about 92% of the atoms of the universe. But it is found not only in the composition of stars, interstellar gas, but also common elements on our planet. Most often it exists in a bound form, and the most common compound is, of course, water.
In addition, hydrogen is part of a number of carbon compounds that form oil and natural gas. 
Conclusion
Despite the fact that this is the most common element in the world, surprisingly, it can be dangerous for humans, because it sometimes ignites when reacting with air. To understand how important a role hydrogen played in the creation of the Universe, it is enough to realize that without it there would be nothing living on Earth.
