What year was the nucleus in the center of the atom discovered? Go to the website: http://www.livescience.com/3505-chemistry-life- the following questions….. 7) How many chemical elements are found in the human body? 8) What four elements make up 96% of the human body’s mass? 9) List four functions these nutrients may perform. 10) List the percentage of the body weight that each of the following ele Oxygen Carbon Nitrogen Hydrogen Phosphorus Sulfur Iron I
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
6) The nucleus at the center of the atom was discovered in 1911 by Ernest Rutherford.
7) There are approximately 60 chemical elements found in the human body, though about 29 are believed to play an active role in human health.
8) The four elements that make up 96% of the human body’s mass are oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
9) Four functions these nutrients may perform:
- Oxygen supports cellular respiration and energy production.
- Carbon forms the backbone of all organic molecules.
- Hydrogen helps regulate body temperature and pH balance.
- Nitrogen is essential for building proteins and nucleic acids.
10) Approximate percentage of body weight for each element:
- Oxygen: 65.0%
- Carbon: 18.5%
- Hydrogen: 9.5%
- Nitrogen: 2.6%
- Phosphorus: 1.1%
- Sulfur: 0.3%
- Iron: 0.006% (about 4.2 grams in a 70 kg person)2
The discovery of the atomic nucleus in 1911 marked a turning point in atomic theory. Ernest Rutherford’s gold foil experiment revealed that atoms are mostly empty space, with a dense, positively charged center. This nucleus, composed of protons and neutrons, accounts for nearly all of an atom’s mass and fundamentally changed how scientists understood matter.
In the human body, chemistry plays a vital role in sustaining life. Although over 60 elements are present, just four—oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen—dominate, making up 96% of our mass. These elements are essential for forming water, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. For instance, oxygen is crucial for respiration, carbon forms the framework of organic molecules, hydrogen maintains pH and hydration, and nitrogen builds genetic material and enzymes.
Each element contributes uniquely. Phosphorus is vital for energy transfer through ATP, sulfur stabilizes protein structures, and iron enables oxygen transport in blood. Understanding these elements and their functions helps us appreciate the intricate chemistry that powers every heartbeat, breath, and thought.
