A question on the abundance of the elements

In summary, scientists can determine the abundance of elements in the universe through the examination of absorption and emission spectra and by sampling galaxies, stars, and planets. While hydrogen is currently believed to be the most abundant element, there is a possibility of an undiscovered element with a short lifespan that could be more abundant.
  • #1
mech-eng
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How can scientists determine,calculate or understand that in the universe hydrogen is the most abundunt element as there are thousands of galaxy with their own planets. There might even an undiscovered element that could be most abundunt.

Have a nice day.
 
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By examination of the absorption and emission spectra of the stuff out there, it is possible to estimate the abundance. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraunhofer_lines
The second most abundant element is helium. The first evidence of helium came in 1868 from an unexplained emission line in sunlight.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helium#Scientific_discoveries

There are no obvious stable places left in the table of isotopes, any undiscovered elements on the periphery of the stable zone can be expected to have extremely short lifetimes, so they really cannot be abundant.
 
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  • #3
mech-eng said:
How can scientists determine,calculate or understand that in the universe hydrogen is the most abundunt element as there are thousands of galaxy with their own planets. There might even an undiscovered element that could be most abundunt.

Have a nice day.
One would have to sample galaxies/stars/planets to look at emission lines, and make some estimates of mass, in order to determine the relative abundance of elements in the cosmos.

Locally, we would have to take rock samples, and then make estimates on various geologic structures in order to estimate the relative abundance of elements.
 

1. What are the most abundant elements on Earth?

The most abundant elements on Earth are oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, and calcium. These elements make up the majority of the Earth's crust and are essential for life and many industrial processes.

2. Why is the abundance of elements important in chemistry?

The abundance of elements is important in chemistry because it affects the properties and reactivity of substances. For example, elements that are more abundant tend to be more widely used in everyday materials and products.

3. How is the abundance of elements measured?

The abundance of elements is measured using various methods, such as spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and geological analysis. These techniques allow scientists to determine the relative and absolute concentrations of elements in a given sample.

4. Are the abundances of elements constant?

No, the abundances of elements are not constant. They can vary depending on factors such as geological processes, human activities, and natural disasters. However, the overall distribution of elements on Earth remains relatively stable over time.

5. How does the abundance of elements differ in different parts of the universe?

The abundance of elements can differ in different parts of the universe. For example, the early universe was composed primarily of hydrogen and helium, while heavier elements were formed through nuclear fusion in stars. This has led to variations in the abundance of elements in different regions of the universe.

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