The Elements

Part 1 Introduction: the periodic table of elements; the elements on Earth, in the solar system and in the universe; the factors that control elemental abundance and distribution. Part 2 Nuclear and chemical properties: mass, size and energy; nuclear forces - the "liquid-drop" model; the shell theory of atoms and nuclei; chemical trends in the periodic table; beta-decay and the "line of stability"; nuclear reactions; radioactive elements. Part 3 The origin of the elements: the early universe; the evolution of stars; hydrogen burning; helium burning and subsequent processes; supernovae and explosive burning; the heavier elements; very light elements - the "x" process. Part 4 Cosmochemistry and the solar system: interstellar gas and dust; the origin of the planets; the condensation of the elements; the composition of the Earth; meteorites and comets; chemical trends in the solar system; the atmospheres of the planets. Part 5 The distribution of elements on the Earth's surface: the composition and formation of the crust; the chemistry of silicate minerals; the formation of ores - hydrothermal processes; weathering and the formation of sedimentary deposits; the elements in the ocean; the elements of life. Part 6 Isotope distributions: nuclear processes affecting isotope distribution; chemical fractionation of isotopes; isotope dating methods. Appendices: elemental abundances; isotopic compositions of the elements.