What is the atomic number of zirconium?
40
30
20
50
Dive into the comprehensive guide on Zirconium, a lustrous, grey-white, strong transition metal that plays a pivotal role across various industries. From its corrosion-resistant properties in harsh environments to its essential uses in medical implants, aerospace engineering, and nuclear reactors, Zirconium’s versatility is unmatched. This guide offers detailed insights into Zirconiumās characteristics, applications, and its significance in advancing technology and improving our daily lives. Explore real-world examples that highlight Zirconium’s integral contributions to modern advancements.
Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40. It is a transition metal known for its strong, silver-gray appearance and excellent resistance to corrosion. Zirconium does not easily react with air or water, making it exceptionally stable and useful for harsh environments. Historically, Zirconium has been used in ceramics and refractories, and today, it is vital in nuclear reactors, aerospace materials, and medical devices. For teachers, Zirconium provides a prime opportunity to explore the characteristics of transition metals, their position in the periodic table, and their essential roles in modern technology and industry
Zirconium is not commonly found or used in its gaseous state due to its high melting and boiling points. Zirconium is a solid metal under standard conditions. However, I can explain the atomic structure of Zirconium as an element, which applies to all its physical states (solid, liquid, gas) when referring to its electrons, protons, and neutrons.
Zirconium (Zr) has an atomic number of 40, meaning it possesses 40 protons in its nucleus. The number of neutrons in the most abundant isotope of Zirconium, Zirconium-90, is 50, giving it a mass number of 90 (40 protons + 50 neutrons). The electrons are arranged in orbitals around the nucleus. The electron configuration of Zirconium is [Kr] 4d² 5s², indicating it has two electrons in the 5s orbital and two electrons in the 4d orbital beyond the filled orbitals of Krypton (Kr), a noble gas.
Formula: Zr
Composition: A single zirconium atom.
Bond Type: Zirconium forms metallic bonds in its metallic form and can form covalent bonds in its compounds, utilizing four valence electrons.
Molecular Structure: Zirconium does not exist in different allotropes like tin. It is strong, resistant to corrosion, and has a high melting point, making it valuable in harsh conditions.
Electron Configuration: 40 electrons, with the configuration 1s² 2s² 2pⶠ3s² 3pⶠ3d¹Ⱐ4s² 4pⶠ4d² 5s².
Significance: Crucial in the nuclear industry for cladding fuel elements due to its low neutron absorption. Also used in dental implants, medical instruments, and aerospace engineering.
Role in Chemistry: Important for understanding transition metals’ properties, applications in advanced materials, and zirconium compound synthesis in organometallic chemistry.
Property | Value |
---|---|
Appearance | Silvery white and lustrous |
Density | 6.52 g/cm³ at 20°C |
Melting Point | 1855°C (3371°F) |
Boiling Point | 4409°C (7968°F) |
State at Room Temperature | Solid |
Thermal Conductivity | 22.7 W/(mĀ·K) |
Phase at Room Temperature | Solid |
Electrical Resistivity | 421 nΩ·m at 20°C |
Heat of Fusion | 14 kJ/mol |
Heat of Vaporization | 580 kJ/mol |
Zirconium, a transition metal with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40, exhibits several notable chemical properties due to its position in the periodic table. These properties allow Zirconium to play a crucial role in various industrial and chemical processes:
Property | Value |
---|---|
Melting Point | 1855°C (3371°F) |
Boiling Point | 4409°C (7968°F) |
Heat of Fusion | 14 kJ/mol |
Heat of Vaporization | 580 kJ/mol |
Specific Heat Capacity | 0.278 J/(gĀ·K) |
Property | Value |
---|---|
Density | 6.52 g/cm³ |
Young’s Modulus | 68 GPa |
Tensile Strength | 230 MPa |
Hardness | 5 Mohs |
Malleability | High |
Ductility | Moderate |
Property | Value |
---|---|
Electrical Resistivity | 421 nΩ·m |
Property | Value |
---|---|
Atomic Number | 40 |
Average Atomic Mass | 91.224 u |
Neutron Cross Section | Low (varies by isotope) |
Number of Stable Isotopes | 5 |
The preparation of Zirconium typically involves the extraction and purification of zirconium from its primary ore, zircon (ZrSiOā). The process includes several key steps:
Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40. It is known for its strong resistance to corrosion and high melting point, making it valuable in various industrial applications. Zirconium has several isotopes, which are variants of the element that differ in neutron number. Below is a table outlining the main isotopes of zirconium, their mass numbers, and some of their properties.
Isotope | Mass Number | Natural Abundance (%) | Half-life | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Zr-90 | 90 | 51.45 | Stable | Most abundant isotope, used in nuclear reactors |
Zr-91 | 91 | 11.22 | Stable | – |
Zr-92 | 92 | 17.15 | Stable | – |
Zr-93 | 93 | 0 | 1.53 million years | Produced artificially, potential for nuclear waste disposal |
Zr-94 | 94 | 17.38 | Stable | – |
Zr-96 | 96 | 2.80 | Stable | Has potential in isotope geochemistry studies |
Stable isotopes like Zr-90, Zr-91, Zr-92, Zr-94, and Zr-96 have a variety of uses in industry and scientific research, while radioactive isotopes like Zr-93 are studied for their potential applications in nuclear waste management.
Zirconium is a versatile metal that finds applications in numerous fields due to its excellent corrosion resistance, high melting point, and unique properties. Here are some of the primary uses of zirconium:
The production of zirconium involves several steps to extract the metal from its ore, primarily zircon (ZrSiO4), and refine it to its pure form or into useful alloys. Here’s an overview of the zirconium production process:
Zirconium is utilized in various applications due to its excellent properties, such as high resistance to corrosion, good heat resistance, and low absorption of neutrons. Below are some key applications of zirconium and its alloys:
Zirconium, a versatile element, plays a pivotal role across various sectors due to its remarkable properties. From nuclear reactors and aerospace components to medical implants and consumer electronics, zirconium’s applications are extensive. Understanding its isotopes, production process, and multifaceted uses not only highlights its significance in modern technology but also its potential for future innovations.
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What is the atomic number of zirconium?
40
30
20
50
Zirconium is classified under which group in the periodic table?
Alkali metals
Transition metals
Halogens
Noble gases
What is the most common oxidation state of zirconium in its compounds?
+1
+2
+3
+4
Which of the following is a primary use of zirconium?
Fuel for nuclear reactors
Making glass
Producing rubber
Synthesizing dyes
What is the symbol for zirconium on the periodic table?
Zi
Zr
Zc
Z
Zirconium is most commonly extracted from which mineral?
Hematite
Zircon
Bauxite
Galena
Which property makes zirconium suitable for use in surgical instruments?
High density
High melting point
Corrosion resistance
Magnetic properties
Zirconium is used in the manufacture of which type of advanced ceramics?
Porcelain
Zirconia
Silica
Alumina
Which alloying element is commonly added to zirconium to improve its mechanical properties?
Copper
Nickel
Hafnium
Tin
Zirconium was first isolated by which chemist?
Antoine Lavoisier
Humphry Davy
Martin Heinrich Klaproth
Jons Jacob Berzelius
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