Properties Uses and Facts about Barium
What is Barium
Barium is classified as an alkaline earth metal, and chemically barium is
an element. The density of barium is 3.62 grams per cubic centimeter. Barium
has the symbol (Ba), atomic number 56 and atomic mass 137.327 amu. Its atom
has 56 electrons, 56 protons, 81 neutrons and 6 energy levels. In the
Periodic Table, Barium is located in Group 2, Period 6 and Block (S). Barium
is found in the solid state at room temperature, with a melting point of 725
°C (1337 °F) and a boiling point of 1897 °C (3447 °F).
Barium was discovered by the English chemist Sir Humphrey Davy in
1808.
Properties of Barium Element
- Barium is a silver-white colored metal.
- When exposed to oxygen, a gray colored layer of oxide is deposited on the barium.
- Barium is a chemically active element, so it is not found in pure state in nature.
- Barium is a malleable metal.
- Barium is a good conductor of electricity and heat.
- Barium and almost all of its compounds (except barium sulfate) are toxic.
- Barium reacts with all halogens and almost all nonmetals.
- Barium reacts with almost all acids.
- Barium produces hydrogen gas and barium hydroxide when it comes in contact with water.
- Barium sulfate absorbs X-rays.
Uses of Barium Element
- Barium is used in drilling fluids used to drill oil and gas wells.
- Barium sulfate (BaSO4) is an insoluble substance that absorbs X-rays and can be safely swallowed, so it is used inside the body to produce X-ray images of the intestinal tract.
- Barium nitrate [Ba(NO3)2] burns with a bright green light, so it is used in fireworks and to make signal flares.
- Barium chloride (BaCl) is used as a water softener.
- Barium carbonate (BaCO3) is used to make ceramics and some types of glass.
- In ancient times barium carbonate (BaCO3) was used as rat poison.
- Barium titanate (BaTiO3) is used as a dielectric material in capacitors.
- Barium ferrite (BaFe12O19) is used to make magnets.
- Barium-nickel alloy is used in spark plug electrodes.
- Barium is used in vacuum tubes and fluorescent lamps.
- Barium compounds are also used to make glass, bricks, paints, and tiles.
Interesting facts about barium element
- Barium is a chemically very reactive element, so to store pure barium metal, it is placed in kerosene or some other petroleum oil.
- Stones made of impure barium sulfate that glow at night are called Bologna Stones.
- Barium ignites suddenly when it comes in contact with moist air.
- Benitoite is a barium titanium silicate mineral, it is a rare blue colored stone, which glows in the dark with a beautiful blue light. It is used like a gem. It is found in California state of USA and in Japan. It is considered a very precious gem, its cost is 6000 to 8000 dollars per carat.
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