Which elements of the human body are found elsewhere?

In summary, all the elements mentioned in the conversation, including carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, magnesium, copper, zinc, selenium, molybdenum, fluorine, chlorine, iodine, manganese, cobalt, iron, lithium, strontium, aluminum, silicon, lead, vanadium, arsenic, and bromine, are present in the universe and can be found in gas clouds, meteorites, and other celestial bodies. These elements were formed through processes such as nucleosynthesis in stars and supernovae. This knowledge is a reminder of our interconnectedness with the universe and the humbling fact that we are made of "star dust."
  • #1
MathJakob
161
5
Carbon (18%)
Hydrogen (10%)
Nitrogen (3%)
Calcium (1.5%)
Phosphorus (1.0%)
Potassium (0.35%)
Sulfur (0.25%)
Sodium (0.15%)
Magnesium (0.05%)
Copper, Zinc, Selenium, Molybdenum, Fluorine, Chlorine, Iodine, Manganese, Cobalt, Iron (0.70%)
Lithium, Strontium, Aluminum, Silicon, Lead, Vanadium, Arsenic, Bromine (trace amounts)

Obviously I know all of these are found naturally on Earth, but which of them exist in space or on other planets? Which of them are found in gas clouds and meteorites ect?

I know hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur and iron are found in gas cloud and the cores of planets, but what else?
 
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  • #2
I am not sure what your question is. From all we know all these elements are present in all the Universe. In different ratios, as what we see on Earth is a product of processes that concentrated heavier elements, but they are all everywhere.
 
  • #3
Borek said:
I am not sure what your question is. From all we know all these elements are present in all the Universe. In different ratios, as what we see on Earth is a product of processes that concentrated heavier elements, but they are all everywhere.

Well what I mean is, has magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium ect been found anywhere else apart from on Earth?

To put it simply, does the stuff that makes up gas clouds, meteorites and space dust share any common elements that the human body has?
 
  • #4
MathJakob said:
To put it simply, does the stuff that makes up gas clouds, meteorites and space dust share any common elements that the human body has?

All of them! Apart from hydrogen, a small amount of helium, and a tiny bit of lithium, which were formed following the Big Bang, all other elements were created in stars or during supernovae. See the Wikipedia article on nucleosynthesis to learn more.
 
  • #5
DrClaude said:
All of them! Apart from hydrogen, a small amount of helium, and a tiny bit of lithium, which were formed following the Big Bang, all other elements were created in stars or during supernovae. See the Wikipedia article on nucleosynthesis to learn more.

So we are quite literally star dust? Humbling to know.
 
  • #6
MathJakob said:
So we are quite literally star dust?

Yes.

Adds a perspective, doesn't it?
 

1. What elements make up the human body?

The human body is primarily made up of oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. These elements make up about 96% of the body's mass. Other important elements found in smaller quantities include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium.

2. Are there any elements in the human body that are not found elsewhere?

No, all of the elements found in the human body can also be found in other living organisms and in the Earth's crust. However, the unique combination and arrangement of these elements is what makes each individual's body unique.

3. Which elements make up the majority of bones and teeth?

Bones and teeth contain a large amount of calcium and phosphorus, which give them their hardness and strength. These elements also play important roles in other bodily functions, such as muscle contraction and nerve signaling.

4. Are there any elements in the human body that are toxic?

Yes, some elements found in the human body can be toxic in high concentrations. For example, iron is essential for oxygen transport in the bloodstream, but too much iron can lead to iron toxicity. Other potentially toxic elements include lead, mercury, and arsenic.

5. Can elements in the human body be replaced or replenished?

Yes, the elements in the human body are constantly being recycled and replenished through various biological processes. For example, bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt, which allows for the exchange of old bone tissue for new tissue containing fresh supplies of elements. Additionally, essential elements can be obtained through diet and supplementation.

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