So much of diversity in universe.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature and diversity of elements in the universe, addressing two main questions: the total number of elements discovered by humans and the reasons for the variety of objects and elements despite a uniform beginning of the universe. The scope includes theoretical considerations about elemental formation and cosmological evolution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that there are 88 elements found on Earth, with additional elements created in laboratories, but questions the definition of "discovered."
  • Another participant suggests looking up information on Wikipedia for a comprehensive understanding of the number of elements and their discovery.
  • Concerns are raised about the use of large text in the original post, indicating a preference for standard formatting.
  • Discussion includes the process of nucleosynthesis, where light elements like hydrogen and helium are formed, and how stars produce heavier elements up to iron, with supernovae creating elements beyond iron.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about why elementary particles have their specific characteristics, noting that there is no current theory explaining these properties, such as the mass and charge of an electron.
  • A participant expresses gratitude for the responses and indicates an intention to further explore the topic of nucleosynthesis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the total number of elements or the reasons for their diversity. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the fundamental characteristics of elementary particles and the processes leading to the variety of elements.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on what constitutes "discovered" elements and the unresolved nature of why elementary particles have their specific properties. The discussion also reflects a dependence on external sources for detailed explanations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring topics in chemistry, cosmology, and the fundamental nature of matter, particularly those curious about the origins and diversity of elements in the universe.

rishi.sharma
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Hi ,
I have two doubts about which I am quite confused. It would be great if I can get a decent answer for them.

1.) How many possible number of elements exist in nature discovered by humans , like H,He,Carbon,Silicon,Uranium,Strontium,Thorium,etc... ?


-Are there any possibilities for an increase in the figure.
-If no , then why ?

2.) Majority of theories related to "Birth Of Universe" , assume that at time t=0; everything was uniform or there was nothing. Some say singularity.

Considering this assumption , I have a question in mind.

---Why there at so many different varities of objects/elements present in universe despite of the fact that all of it started from something uniform. ??

---For evolution/change to occur , we must input changes into the system. If yes , then how one change can lead to billions and trillions of diverse forms.




I am looking for a decent answer or link , which can help me eliminate my confusion.
I would be glad if someone can help clear my misconceptions.

Thanks,
Rishi.
 
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For 1. 88 elements exist in nature on Earth (43, 61, 85, 87 have been created in the lab). I am not sure what you mean by discovered. They all were at some time or other first identified.

For 2. Try looking up things on Wikipedia - there is too much to give a simple answer.
 
Just FYI, it is not necessary to SCREAM by using large bold type. Your question would be quite readable in normal type.
 
1 .) How many possible number of elements exist in nature discovered by humans , like H, He, Carbon ,Silicon, Uranium ,Strontium ,Thorium ,etc. . . ?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Californium

It is the heaviest element to occur naturally on
Earth;


Are there any possibilities for an increase in the figure . - If no , then why ?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extended_periodic_table#End_of_the_periodic_table
 
Why there at so many different varities of objects/elements present in universe despite of the fact that all of it started from something uniform. ??

the lightest elements come from nucleosynthesis...hydrogen, helium,etc [look it up in Wikipedia for details] then stars produce elements up to iron [stellar nucleosythesis, via thermonuclear reactions] ...then supernovas the elements heavier than iron...

But WHY elements form in exactly that way, that is, why elementary particles have the exact characteristics they do, no one really knows...We have no theory, for example, that explains the observed mass and observed charge strength of an electron.
 
Naty1 said:
the lightest elements come from nucleosynthesis...hydrogen, helium,etc [look it up in Wikipedia for details] then stars produce elements up to iron [stellar nucleosythesis, via thermonuclear reactions] ...then supernovas the elements heavier than iron...

But WHY elements form in exactly that way, that is, why elementary particles have the exact characteristics they do, no one really knows...We have no theory, for example, that explains the observed mass and observed charge strength of an electron.

Thanks Naty1 , Suraj88 and Mathman for your answers.

I am going to read about NucleoSynthesis in more details , t'was very helpful and relevant answer.
Thanks again.
 

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