Chemical Elements

Protons (atomic no.)
Neutrons
Electrons
Mass Number

3 rows are shown. The top row labeled ‘The ‘Big 4’ make up 96% of living matter’ contains 4 spheres representing atoms which are labeled ‘H’, ‘C’, ‘N’ and ‘O’ from left to right respectively. The center row labeled ‘Some lesser elements’ contains 4 spheres representing atoms which are labeled ‘P’, ‘S’, ‘Ca’ and ‘Na’ from left to right respectively. The bottom row labeled ‘Some trace elements’ contains 4 spheres representing atoms which are labeled ‘Fe’, ‘Cu’, ‘Co’ and ‘Zn’ from left to right respectively.

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The "Big 4" make up 96% of living matter

  • H
  • C
  • N
  • O

Some lesser elements

Some trace elements

  • Fe
  • Cu
  • Co
  • Zn

Based on the number of protons they contain, atoms are classified into over 100 different elements. Protons determine how many electrons the atom can hold, and therefore how the atom behaves. Each element has a name and a symbol. The most important elements in life are shown here. Roll your mouse over each atom.

More info:

  1. 1. How are electrons arranged in life's most common elements?
  2. 2. Why are they called elements?
  3. 3. Why are protons so important?