Main group element
In
chemistry and atomic
physics,
main group elements are groups whose lightest members are represented by
hydrogen,
beryllium,
boron,
carbon,
nitrogen,
oxygen,
fluorine, and
helium) as arranged in the
periodic table of the elements.
The main group elements (with some of the lighter transition metals) are the most abundant elements on the earth, in the solar system, and in the universe.