Ever wonder what a metal is?

What if Vibranium was a real elemental metal, where would it be located on the Periodic Table? Watch Dr. Boyd’s fun and creative take on that question.

Valence electrons are the electrons that are located in the outermost shell of an atom. In other words, these are the electrons that can be gained or lost during a chemical reaction. In order to determine the number of valence electrons...

The periodic table is arranged by atomic number, which is the number of protons in an element’s nucleus. The elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number. The periodic table is also arranged by groups and periods. The...

The reactivity of an element is a function of how easily an element loses or gains electrons. To determine an element's reactivity, we can learn a lot from the periodic table, and its particular trends. The first element in the halogen...

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom. They are important because they are involved in the chemical bonding of our elements which helps determine the reactivity of elements. In order to be stable,...

An orbit around the nucleus of an atom that can be occupied by one or more electrons. A Twig Science Glossary Film. Key scientific terms defined in just 60 seconds using stunning images and concise textual definitions. Twig Science...

An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down any further by chemical means. A Twig Science Glossary Film. Key scientific terms defined in just 60 seconds using stunning images and concise textual definitions. Twig Science...

Elements in group 8, also called group 0, of the periodic table. A Twig Science Glossary Film. Key scientific terms defined in just 60 seconds using stunning images and concise textual definitions. Twig Science Glossary Films reinforce...

The elements in the middle and left side of the Periodic Table are all metals. A Twig Science Glossary Film. Key scientific terms defined in just 60 seconds using stunning images and concise textual definitions. Twig Science Glossary...

One of the most abundant elements, oxygen is vital to all life on Earth. Chemistry - Periodic Table - Learning Points. Oxygen makes up 21% of Earth's atmosphere. Two-thirds of the human body is made of oxygen. Oxygen is essential for...

The durable properties of lead mean that it has been utilised by humans for thousands of years, with Roman pipes still seen today. Chemistry - Periodic Table - Learning Points. Lead is a soft, malleable metal. The Romans used lead. Lead...

Plutonium is an element with so much energy it has powered space probes beyond our Solar System. Chemistry - Periodic Table - Learning Points. Plutonium is a radioactive metal. Plutonium was named after the planet Pluto. Plutonium is...

Discover the unique properties of silicon, which is found in many things from sand to computers. Chemistry - Periodic Table - Learning Points. Silicon is a metalloid element. Silicon is found in sand, quartz, the Sun and stars. Silicon...

Copper has been used by man for thousands of years. Chemistry - Periodic Table - Learning Points. Copper is a malleable metal. Copper is extracted from ore. Copper is a good conductor of electricity and heat. Copper helps to keep the...

Phosphorus is a versatile element, found in our DNA as well as fireworks and fertilisers. Chemistry - Periodic Table - Learning Points. Phosphorus helps convert food into energy. Phosphorus is found in our DNA. Compounds of phosphorus...

Mercury is an elusive and toxic element. Chemistry - Periodic Table - Learning Points. Mercury is a rare element. Mercury is a liquid at room temperature. Mercury is highly toxic. Mercury is used in thermometers and batteries. A Twig...

A systematic arrangement of the chemical elements. A Twig Science Glossary Film. Key scientific terms defined in just 60 seconds using stunning images and concise textual definitions. Twig Science Glossary Films reinforce abstract...

Any of the metallic elements from the central block of the periodic table. A Twig Science Glossary Film. Key scientific terms defined in just 60 seconds using stunning images and concise textual definitions. Twig Science Glossary Films...

The non-metal elements are found to the right of the Periodic Table. A Twig Science Glossary Film. Key scientific terms defined in just 60 seconds using stunning images and concise textual definitions. Twig Science Glossary Films...

Iron is crucial in many areas of life: it is found in our blood, as well as being used to build bridges. Chemistry - Periodic Table - Learning Points. Iron is one of the most common element on Earth. Iron is found in living organisms....

Hydrogen is a highly flammable element, with the potential to become a non-polluting alternative to gasoline. Chemistry - Periodic Table - Learning Points. Hydrogen is the element with the lowest density. Hydrogen is highly flammable and...

Discover the vital role uranium plays in nuclear technology. Chemistry - Periodic Table - Learning Points. Uranium was discovered in 1789. Uranium was named after the planet Uranus. Uranium is weakly radioactive. Uranium is important in...

Potassium is one of the most unpredictable elements, a soft metal that is essential to life. Chemistry - Periodic Table - Learning Points. Potassium is a soft metal. In our bodies potassium compounds help keep us healthy. Potassium...