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Metals make up most of the elements in the periodic table.

Atoms and Elements 02

Atoms are the building blocks of matter. In KS3 Science, pupils explore how elements combine to form compounds and the role atoms play in everything around us.

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Fascinating Fact:

Oxygen makes up about 21 percent of Earth’s atmosphere, but it is the most common element in the human body.

In KS3 Science, you’ll learn how atoms form elements, how these elements bond, and why understanding their interactions is essential for chemistry and daily life.

Key Terms

Atom: The smallest unit of matter that still has the properties of an element.
Element: A substance made up of only one type of atom, such as oxygen or carbon.
Compound: A substance formed when two or more elements join together chemically.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What are atoms and elements in KS3 Science?

Atoms are tiny particles that make up all matter. Elements are pure substances that contain only one type of atom, like gold or hydrogen.

How do atoms combine to form compounds?

Atoms combine by sharing or transferring electrons, creating chemical bonds. This forms compounds like water (H?O), which contains hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

Why is learning about atoms important in KS3?

Learning about atoms helps students understand the structure of matter, how substances interact, and the science behind everyday processes like breathing and cooking.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

What is the correct symbol for Iron?

A symbol MUST have ONE capital letter - no more, no less. That means the correct answer cannot be either options 2 or 3. Option 4 is tempting, but is the symbol for the metal iridium. But why use Fe for the symbol? The Latin word for iron is ferrum and quite a few symbols come from the Latin names for the elements. Iron is very common, so, if you didn't already know it, it should not be too long before you have to remember that Fe is the chemical symbol for iron

2 .

Which are the three magnetic elements?

Cobalt, nickel, iron

Copper, nickel, iron

Iron, aluminium, copper

Iron, zinc, copper

Copper, aluminium and zinc are not attracted by magnets

3 .

How many atoms of sulfur are there in CuSO₄?

Four

One

Three

Two

There is no small number after the chemical symbol for sulfur therefore there is only one atom

4 .

Which elements are in CoCO₃?

Cobalt, carbon, oxygen

Cobalt, copper

Carbon, oxygen

Copper, chlorine, oxygen

Counting the capital letters in the formula immediately tells you that answers 2 and 3 must be incorrect (there are 3 capitals so there must be three elements). It is then simply a case of looking up the symbols on the periodic table or in a list of elements

5 .

Most of the elements in the periodic table are.....

Gases

Liquids

Metals

Non metals

About three-quarters of all elements are metals

6 .

Which of the following metals is a liquid at room temperature?

Lithium

Magnesium

Mercury

Sodium

It is a toxic (poisonous) metal

7 .

An element has.....

Four names

One name

Three names

Two names

The name of many elements ends in -ium

8 .

Which elements are in SO₂?

Sodium and oxygen

Strontium and oxygen

Sulfur and oxygen

Tin and oxygen

If you did not know the answer, you could easily have looked up the chemical symbols to find out what elements they represent

9 .

What is the correct formula for H-H?

H₁H₁

H₂

H₂₂

This is a simple representation of a molecule of the element hydrogen. You know that it is an element because there is only one type of atom in the formula

10 .

The smallest part of an element that retains the identity (and the chemical properties) of that element is ...

A chemical

A molecule

An atom

An electron

The idea of atoms has been around for thousands of years but it was only during the last two hundred years that scientists have found evidence they exist. In 1981, a very powerful microscope was developed that can be used to 'see' actual atoms

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Atoms, elements and compounds

Author: Sue Davison (Chemistry Specialist & KS3 Science Teacher, Quiz Writer)