Question: What do you think is the best element? Why?

Sebastian Cosgrove answered on 6 Mar 2019:

Good question. I have a couple of favourites:
1. Nitrogen – after carbon you could argue nitrogen is the most important element. It is seen in so many biological systems because the nature of its electrons means it is good at sticking to other elements. It is actually one of the key parts of DNA! Without the bonding from the nitrogen atoms it would not hold together!
2. Lithium – this is my Wife’s choice! If you get the chance to do experiments with Lithium (or any of the metals in group one of the periodic table) you will see they have quite violent reactions with water! When you add lithium to water, it wants to get rid of the electron in its outermost shell, because there is only one there. This is such a favourable reaction that when you drop it into water there is a bang, with fire and smoke given off! Lots of fun in the classroom if your teacher is willing!!