Nonmetals

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Overview: Chemistry and Physics Background

1. Hydrogen: Ubiquitous by Nature

The Astrophysics of Hydrogen

Discovery and Naming of Hydrogen

A Planetary Notion: The Bohr Model

A Quantum Solution

Heavy Hydrogen: Deuterium, Tritium, and Beyond

The Negative Hydrogen Ion

The Chemistry of Hydrogen

Disaster in the Making: The Hindenburg Zeppelin

Fuel Cells: Hydrogen and the Energy Crisis

Hydrogen as Metal

Technology and Current Uses

2. Carbon: The Element of Life, Coal, and Diamonds

The Astrophysics of Carbon

Earthbound: From Coal to Diamonds

Discovery and Naming of Carbon

The Chemistry of Carbon

The Basis of Life

Petroleum Deposits and Oil Depletion

The Carbon Cycle

Carbon Dating

Global Warming and CO 2

Buckminsterfullerene

Technology and Current Uses

3. Nitrogen: In the Atmosphere

The Astrophysics of Nitrogen

Discovery and Naming of Nitrogen

The Nitrogen Cycle: How Plants Breathe

The NO x Problem

Nitrogen Narcosis and Decompression Sickness

N 2 Use in Automobile Tires

Technology and Current Uses

4. Phosphorus: Fertilizers, Photosynthesis, and Strong Bones

The Astrophysics of Phosphorus

Discovery and Naming of Phosphorus

The P in Photosynthesis

Higher Yields: Phosphorus and Agriculture

Insecticides

Phosphorescence without Phosphorus

Phosphates and the Environment

Technology and Current Uses

5. Oxygen: From Flames to Pollution

Oxygen in Stars and on Earth

Discovery and Naming of Oxygen

The Chemistry of Oxygen: From Antioxidants to Free Radicals

Ozone Above and Below

Combustion, Fire, and Explosions

A Recent Trend: Oxygen Bars

Technology and Current Uses

6. Sulfur: In Mythology and Reality

Sulfur in Stars and on Earth

Discovery and Naming of Sulfur

The Chemistry of Sulfur: Known for Its Smell

From the Ancient Chinese: Gunpowder and Matches

Sulfites and Food Preservation

Technology and Current Uses

A Visit to Yellowstone

7. Selenium: Its Relevance in Health, Photocopiers, and Solar Cells

Selenium in Stars and on Earth

The Discovery and Naming of Selenium

The Chemistry of Selenium

Toxic but Essential

Selenium in Glass Colorizing

Technology and Current Uses

Progress: Replaced by Silicon

8. Conclusions and Future Directions

Understanding Patterns and Properties in the Nonmetals

Speculations on Further Developments

New Physics

New Chemistry

SI Units and Conversions

List of Acronyms

Periodic Table of the Elements

Table of Element Categories

Chronology

Glossary

Further Resources

General Resources

Index