Friends of Periodic Table

Selenium atomic number 34 converts light into electricity and data making it vital for solar energy imaging electronics and clean technology growth in India with global supply dominated by China Japan and Germany

Arsenic atomic number 33 is both toxic and transformative Used in semiconductors and cancer treatment arsenic plays a key role in electronics healthcare and water safety with tightly controlled global supply chains

Germanium atomic number 32 powers fiber optic internet infrared imaging solar panels and digital infrastructure Germanium is essential for high speed communication AI data centers and renewable energy with China Russia and Canada controlling global supply

Gallium element atomic number 31 is critical for semiconductors aerospace electronics radars and defense systems Gallium Nitride chips power satellites aircraft avionics and India Semiconductor Mission making Gallium a strategic metal controlled by China Germany and Japan

Zinc protects steel from corrosion through galvanization. It has atomic number 30 and extends the life of infrastructure. Sources include the International Lead and Zinc Study Group.

Copper enables electricity transmission and electrification. It has atomic number 29 and is essential for power grids and electric vehicles. Sources include IEA grid infrastructure reports.

Nickel increases battery energy density and supports stainless steel. It has atomic number 28 and is vital for electric vehicles and industry. Sources include World Bank commodity analysis.

Cobalt improves battery performance but faces supply risks. It has atomic number 27 and is mainly used in electric vehicle batteries. Sources include IEA critical minerals data.

Iron forms the foundation of modern civilization. It has atomic number 26 and is central to construction transport and green steel development. Sources include IEA steel reports.

Manganese stabilizes steel and improves battery performance. It has atomic number 25 and is essential for industrial alloys. Sources include World Steel Association data.

Chromium prevents rust and enables stainless steel. It has atomic number 24 and is widely used in construction railways and manufacturing. Sources include the International Stainless Steel Forum.

Vanadium strengthens steel and supports grid scale batteries. It has atomic number 23 and is important for infrastructure and energy storage. Sources include IEA storage reports.

Titanium is strong lightweight and corrosion resistant. It has atomic number 22 and is used in rockets aircraft and medical implants. Sources include ISRO and ASTM standards.

Scandium is a rare metal used in advanced aerospace alloys. It has atomic number 21 and is strategically important for lightweight defense and space materials. Sources include USGS data.

Calcium builds bones and infrastructure materials like cement. It has atomic number 20 and is important in healthcare and construction. Sources include BIS standards and NIH research.

Potassium is essential for muscles heart function and crops. It has atomic number 19 and supports food security and nutrition. Sources include FAO and ICMR health data.

Argon is an inert gas used to protect metals and electronics. It has atomic number 18 and is important for welding and semiconductor manufacturing in India. Sources include Air Products and SEMI publications.

Chlorine keeps drinking water safe and prevents disease. It has atomic number 17 and supports public health sanitation and water treatment in India. Sources include WHO and the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Phosphorus supports life through energy molecules and fertilizers. It has atomic number 15 and is critical for food production and pharmaceutical security in India. Sources include FAO and IFFCO data.

Sulfur is essential for industrial chemicals fertilizers and batteries. It has atomic number 16 and is often called the backbone of the chemical industry. Sources include USGS mineral reports.

Aluminium is widely used in construction power transmission and transport. It has atomic number 13 and atomic weight 26.982. India is one of the worlds largest producers and focuses on recycling and green aluminium. Sources include the Aluminium Association of India and IAI reviews.

Silicon powers electronics solar panels and artificial intelligence. It has atomic number 14 and is the backbone of the India Semiconductor Mission and renewable energy growth. Sources include MeitY and IEA solar outlook reports.

Magnesium is a lightweight metal used in vehicles and human health. It has atomic number 12 and atomic weight 24.305. It helps reduce vehicle weight and supports many body functions. Sources include Indian automotive industry data and NIH health sheets.

Fluorine is a highly reactive element used in toothpaste and pharmaceuticals. It has atomic number 9 and atomic weight 18.998. It strengthens tooth enamel and improves drug effectiveness. Sources include the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Pharma Export Promotion Council of India.

Sodium is found in table salt and emerging battery technologies. It has atomic number 11 and atomic weight 22.99. India is exploring sodium ion batteries as a low cost alternative to lithium. Sources include NITI Aayog battery outlooks and electrochemical research journals.