19 Scientists Reveal Their Favorite Element

To celebrate National Chemistry Week, which runs from Oct. 20-26, we asked a bunch of scientists, with help from the American Chemical Society, what their favorite periodic element is, and why. 

A chemical element is a material that cannot be broken down or changed into a simpler substance (without the help of an atom-smasher, that is). Elements are the building blocks of all matter — everything we feel, smell, and see — and combine to make all molecules.

The modern periodic table arranges all known chemical elements in order of their atomic number, which refers to the number of protons in that element. The number of protons in an atom affect how many electrons they attract which determines the chemical behavior of the element.

So what's the fairest element of them all? See what the experts had to say.  

Dr. Donna Nelson — Carbon

Credentials: Dr. Donna Nelson is a chemistry professor at the University of Oklahoma. She has also served as a science advisor to the television show "Breaking Bad." 

Why is this your favorite element?: "My favorite element is carbon, and not merely because carbon makes up diamonds and diamonds are a girl's best friend! 

First, carbon is central to my research and teaching. My research group developed an analysis of groups [of atoms] attached to single-walled carbon nanotubes, which reveals how each group interacts with the tube. These carbon nanotubes are extremely strong and will benefit our society by being mixed with and thereby strengthening materials such as polymers.

Second, I teach organic chemistry, which is the chemistry of carbon. I am determined to make it truly easier for students, which I am slowly accomplishing. 

Third, I helped with Walter White's high school teaching scene about the importance of Carbon, which started out 'Alkenes, diolefins, polyenes, the nomenclature alone is enough to make your head spin.'"

Atomic symbol: C

Atomic number: 6

Dr. Preston MacDougall — Phosphorus

Credentials: Dr. Preston MacDougall is a professor and assistant chair in the department of chemistry at Middle Tennessee State University. Known as the "Chemical Eye Guy," MacDougall has frequently served as a science commentator on WMOT, a National Public Radio station serving the Nashville region. 

Why is this your favorite element?: "My favorite element is phosphorus, not just because it is essential to life, and is a key cog in the backbone of DNA, but especially because of the fascinating story of its 17th century discovery by Hennig Brand never fails to get my students attention. It also helps them remember that, unlike fluorine, phosphorus begins with the letter P."

Atomic symbol: P

Atomic number: 15

Dr. JaimeLee Iolani Rizzo — Nitrogen

Credentials: Dr. JaimeLee Iolani Rizzo is the assistant chair in the department of chemistry and physical science at Pace University.

Why is this your favorite element?: "We have synthesized compounds based on N heterocycles that bear antimicrobial activity for which we have a number of patents and publications."

For the non-chemists, that means she uses nitrogen-based compounds to fight bacteria. 

Atomic symbol: N

Atomic number: 7