What do my elements do?
The values here are calculated for a 70kg person but you can use the ‘I am a Star*’ spreadsheet to calculate the values for your own body.
Element OXYGEN
Mass43 kg
Use in BodyThe O in H2O and many other chemicals. We use it to release energy from our food
Other usesMakes up 21% of the air. Used in most forms of combustion.
and Value£51.60
Element CARBON
Mass16 kg
Use in BodyThe carb in carbohydrates and the backbone of many other molecules
Other uses£16 as charcoal briquettes
and Value£320,000,000 as 5 Carat Diamonds
Element HYDROGEN
Mass7 kg
Use in BodyThe H in H2O and many other chemicals.
Other usesMaking artificial fertilizers and margarine. In a hydrogen balloon this is enough to could lift you into the air
and Value£114.10
Element NITROGEN
Mass1.75 kg
Use in BodyMaking proteins and DNA
Other usesFertilizers and Nylon
and Value£1.93
Element CALCIUM
Mass1.05 kg
Use in BodyBones, teeth and muscles
Other usesConcrete and cement
and Value£78.75
Element PHOSPHORUS
Mass0.78 kg
Use in BodyDNA energy storing chemicals teeth and bones
Other usesFertilizer, matches (about 60 boxes worth)
and Value£53.61
Element POTASSIUM
Mass 0.14 kg
Use in BodySalt balance inside cells
Other usesFertilizer
and Value£49.77
Element SULPHUR
Mass 0.14 kg
Use in BodyProteins
Other usesRubber and medicines
and Value69p
Element SODIUM
Mass 0.1kg
Use in BodySalt balance outside cells
Other usesStreet Lamps and glass
and Value£17.37
Element CHLORINE
Mass 0.1kg
Use in BodyNerve signals
Other usesCleaning swimming pools
and Value26p
Element MAGNESIUM
Mass 0.021kg
Use in BodyMuscle contraction
Other usesHeat resistant bricks
and Value63p
Element IRON
Mass 0.004kg
Use in BodyHaemoglobin - carrying Oxygen in the blood
Other usesBuilding, nails (enough for a 1 inch)
and Value3p (as a nail)
Element Fluorine
Mass0.0028kg
Use in BodyHelps your teeth to re-crystallise
Other usesManufacture of polymers, pesticides and antibiotics
and Value£8.40 (very expensive because it is so dangerous to handle)
Element Zinc
Mass0.002kg
Use in BodyA part of several enzymes and sex hormones
Other usesCorrosion protection, alloys and batteries
and Value3p (laboratory grade)
Element Silicon
Mass0.001kg
Use in BodyHelps bone growth - mechanism not known
Other usesComputer chips
and Value9p
You contain less than 1p worth of these elements:
Element Copper
Mass.00007kg
Use in BodyPart of co-enzyme
Other usesElectrical conductors
Element Iodine
Mass 0.00002 kg
Use in BodyPart of thyroxin -thyroid hormone
Other usesDisinfectant, photography
Element Tin
Mass0.000020kg
Use in BodyPossibly essential - function unknown
Other usesCorrosion protection and alloys
Element Boron
Mass 0.000018kg
Use in BodyHelps body to absorb Calcium and Magnesium
Other usesGlass and fire retardants
Element Nickel
Mass0.000015kg
Use in BodyThought to help liver function - mechanism unknown
Other usesCorrosion protection, coinage and catalysts
Element Selenium
Mass 0.000015kg
Use in BodyPrevents chromosome damage
Other usesPhotoelectric cells
Element Chromium
Mass0.000014kg
Use in BodyOptimises the production of insulin
Other usesCorrosion protection and alloys
Element Manganese
Mass0.000012kg
Use in BodyPart of mitochondrial enzyme
Other usesSteel alloys
Element Molybdenum
Mass0.000005kg
Use in BodyPart of an enzyme
Other usesAlloys and catalysts
Element Cobalt
Mass 0.000003kg
Use in BodyPart of vitamin B12
Other usesMagnets
Element Vanadium
Mass 0.0000001kg
Use in BodyHelps growth - mechanism unknown
Other usesAlloys
Created by M. Cripps, NeatherdHigh School, Norfolk, UK