CPW said:
My child is learning the periodic table for science class, memorizing elements 1 - 20. Middle school.
While I assisted, I mused on the elements and on which are discussed most in physics classes.
Here is my ranking of the top three:
1. Z=1
2. Z=2
3. Z=92
Do you agree?
The element discussed depends on the subject at hand. Hydrogen (proton) is perhaps discussed in terms of it's simplicity. In EM/QM/Astronomy, one is likely to discuss Lyman, Balmer and Paschen spectral lines. He would be next. If one discusses stars, then H/D and He would be discussed, and C, N, O. Digging deeper, one might get into Li, Be, B as well as C, N, O. Life science related topics would certainly involve H, C, N, O.
If one discusses planets or geological topics, then certainly Al, Si, O, and probably Na, Mg, P, S, Cl as well. If one discusses minerals, crystals, X-ray diffraction, then one might add additional common light elements.
Nuclear science topics, e.g., natural decays series would certainly involve U, but perhaps all elements (and their isotopes from Bi/Pb on up).
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Nuclear/radser.html
I would recommend printing a copy of the periodic table and posting it in the child's room.
https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2019/12/10/nist_periodictable_july2019.pdf
I have it saved on my computer desktops for quick reference. Note the rows and columns.
Transition elements begin with Scandium (Sc), a rather rare and expensive element, but it is an important alloying element with Al. Note the elements, Ti and V, which are important light elements used in structural alloys. Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni are used in a variety of structural alloys, e.g., steels, stainless steels (predominantly Fe), Ni-based superalloys, Co-based superalloys, . . . Cu is an important conductor, Si and Ge are important for semiconductors, and in fact, SiC is an important structural ceramic and semiconductor.
Edit/update: One could also consider Ca a structural element, a principal component of animal skeletons (bones) and exoskeletons, and limestone CaCO
3.
Calcium is the most abundant metal and the fifth-most abundant element in the
human body.
[5] As
electrolytes,
calcium ions (Ca2+) play a vital role in the
physiological and
biochemical processes of organisms and
cells: in
signal transduction pathways where they act as a
second messenger; in
neurotransmitter release from
neurons; in contraction of all
muscle cell types; as
cofactors in many
enzymes; and in
fertilization.
[5] Calcium ions outside cells are important for maintaining the
potential difference across excitable
cell membranes,
protein synthesis, and bone formation.
Ref:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium