Summary

Scientists categorize the chemical elements as metals, nonmetals, and metalloids largely based on the elements' abilities to conduct electricity at normal temperatures and pressures, but there are other distinctions taken into account when classifying the elements in the periodic table. The alkali metals, for example, are metals, but have such special properties that they are given their own classification. The same is true for the alkaline earths.

Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals presents the current scientific understanding of the physics, chemistry, geology, and biology of these two families of elements, including how they are synthesized in the universe, when and how they were discovered, and where they are found on Earth. With information pertaining to the discovery and naming of these elements as well as new developments and dilemmas, this new book examines how humans use alkalis and alkaline earths and their benefits and challenges to society, health, and the environment. Lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are only a few of the topics covered in this full-color resource. Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals provides students and scientists with an up-to-date understanding of each of the nonmetals—where they came from, how they fit into our current technological society, and where they may lead us.

Specifications

Full-color photographs and line illustrations. Index. Chronology. Glossary. Further resources.

About the Author(s)

Monica Halka, Ph.D., an experimental physicist specializing in the interaction of light with atoms, is committed to the improvement of physics teaching at the high school and college levels. In addition to many publications in professional research journals, she writes and presents on physics education, was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate, and has received education grant funding from the National Science Foundation. She has given invited talks on physics education in Ireland, Scotland, Germany, and the United States, and participated in the Oregon Collaborative for Excellence in the Preparation of Teachers. She currently serves as associate director of the University Honors Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, where she regularly teaches an undergraduate course on energy and society.

Brian Nordstrom, Ed.D., a physical chemist, received an A.B. in physical science and an M.S. in chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley, and an Ed.D. from Northern Arizona University. His interests include chemical kinetics, environmental chemistry, chemical education, and the history and philosophy of science. He is professor of chemistry at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona.