I wasn’t sure that silicon still has only 1 neutron per proton, so I had to check as well.
Looking again at the periodic table it seems like some elements before and after silicon already have an extra neutron per proton (even the majority of lithium has an extra neutron!) - gotta keep the nucleus together, right?
No. Atoms of different elements have significantly varying masses. H2O, for example, is two hydrogens for an atomic weight of about 2, and one oxygen with a weight of about 16.
So sand is mostly oxygen. ;)
By weight it’s almost fifty-fifty (28:32).
Yes, I had to check before making the comment because I had a hunch it would be close.
I wasn’t sure that silicon still has only 1 neutron per proton, so I had to check as well.
Looking again at the periodic table it seems like some elements before and after silicon already have an extra neutron per proton (even the majority of lithium has an extra neutron!) - gotta keep the nucleus together, right?
Kinda like how plants grow structurally by using the carbon from the CO2 they absorb. Imagine gaining mass by breathing.
I don’t have to imagine, I’m over 40.
No. Atoms of different elements have significantly varying masses. H2O, for example, is two hydrogens for an atomic weight of about 2, and one oxygen with a weight of about 16.
You are wrong. Atomic weight of silicon is 28 and oxygen is 16. Two oxygens weight 32 which is greater than 28.
Sand is mostly oxygen.