Scott Reveals His Favorite Element

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.

Scott Lockledge — Chromium

Credentials: Scott P. Lockledge, Ph.D. is the CEO and co-founder of two nanotechnology startup companies: Venture-backed Lutek, LLC, and Tiptek, LLC. He also serves on the advisory board of Chemical and Engineering News, the weekly news magazine of the American Chemical Society.

Why is this your favorite element?: "I like chromium - the way it gleams. If you coat another piece of metal with it, you can create a bumper or a mirror that shines. And, it stays that way for a long time. If you mix it with other metals you can make stainless steel that won't rust. Or, you can make make sharp, hard, and glossy knives. Chromium gives rubies their red color, too. Yes, I like chromium."

Atomic symbol: Cr
Atomic number: 24