Chemistry
Editor's Picks
Latest about Chemistry
![A metal kettle attached to a log structure hangs over a campfire near a lake.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qntpZ2ov7AU9hSRE97AgSL-320-80.jpg)
Why does wood catch fire, but metal doesn't?
By JoAnna Wendel published
Burning is the release of energy, and some materials like metals, can absorb energy better than others, such as wood.
![This artist's impression shows the decay of a lutetium-149 nucleus into a ytterbium-148 nucleus and a proton.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zFoHCBi9shL4Lk9tzJbNM4-320-80.jpg)
Scientists create weird pumpkin-shaped nucleus that vanishes in nanoseconds
By Stephanie Pappas published
A newly created isotope of the silvery metal lutetium has a strange squashed nucleus and a half-life of just a few hundred nanoseconds.
![Natural native copper isolated on white background. VvoeVale via Getty Images](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dTdiJDBQgDsvbPpxDYjHTh-320-80.jpg)
Copper: Facts about the reddish metal that has been used by humans for 8,000 years
By Stephanie Pappas published
Reference Here's a look at the element copper, including its atomic structure, history and uses today.
![Uranium nitrate called uranyl, with uranium ore, radioactive material on isolated white background_RHJ via Getty Images](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rJpWHmKSCCdxTGEr6r2zbQ-320-80.jpg)
Uranium: Facts about the radioactive element that powers nuclear reactors and bombs
By Stephanie Pappas published
Reference Uranium is a naturally radioactive element. It powers nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.
![A gold nugget](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gwavbWSqZFoTpZpdqMGQU6-320-80.jpg)
Gold: Facts, history and uses of the most malleable chemical element
By Stephanie Pappas published
Here's a look at the chemical element gold, including its properties, atomic structure and history.
![Periodic Table of Elements.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JXnK7F5CpiPpU64rLa8tUM-320-80.jpg)
Periodic Table of Elements
By Tim Sharp, Jeanna Bryner published
The Periodic Table, first created by Dmitri Mendeleev, organizes all of the known elements in an informative array.
![This image represents the new isotope, magnesium-18.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EKWEtbJ6yXmauMuef5XcP-320-80.jpg)
Scientists create never-before-seen isotope of magnesium
By Tom Metcalfe published
Scientists have just created the world's lightest form of magnesium — a never-before-seen isotope with just six neutrons in its atomic nuclei.
![Conceptual image of an atom – a bright nucleus with red atoms around it, and lines indicating the electrons' path](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zmNSwMi3MFPJzkJSkVw6fL-320-80.jpg)
What is an atom? Facts about the building blocks of the universe
By Daisy Dobrijevic, Tim Sharp published
Reference Atoms are the building blocks of matter and were created after the Big Bang. They are the smallest unit of an element that still retains its properties.
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