The Magic of Elements. Secrets of the Periodic Table, or How Chemistry Changes Our Lives

Chemical elements emerged simultaneously with the universe; they formed our planet and the life upon it. However, we rarely think about how much human life depends on these invisible heroes. Norwegian physicist Anya Røyne introduces readers to the amazing world of the matter that makes up all of us.

How many chemical elements are contained in a mobile phone? Why is iron necessary for breathing? How are phosphorus and DNA connected? Can elements ever run out, and have humans already inflicted irreparable harm on the planet?

From Røyne's book, you will find answers to many questions and unravel the mysteries of the "building blocks" of the periodic table. "The energy you expend reading this book, the movement of your eyes, and the conversion of text into information in your brain is the result of chemical reactions, during which oxygen and carbohydrates in the body's cells are transformed into carbon dioxide and water" (Anya Røyne). The book was previously published in the series "Scientific Interest" under the title "The Chemistry of Humans: How Iron Helps Us Breathe, Potassium - See, and Other Secrets of the Periodic Table."