Chromium is used to make boat propellers. It also was used as the magnetic compound in cassette tapes. The chromium compound chromate ( CrO42- ) is yellow, while the chromium compound dichromate (Cr2O72- ) is orange. Compounds that contain transition metals (like chromium) are often brightly colored, and they can display multiple colors. The presence of […]
Vanadium forms ions that exist in a variety of oxidation states. Solutions of these ions each have a particular color: V2+ is violet, V3+ is green, V4+ (as VO2+) is blue and V5+ (as VO42-) is yellow. next element […]
Titanium is a low density (D = 4.54 grams per milliliter) metal used in paints, airplanes and hip replacement parts. next element previous element
Scandium is named for Scandinavia, where the Vikings originate. It was first discovered in minerals that came from Scandinavia. next element previous element
Calcium is found in bones, teeth and milk. It is generally found in the form of hydroxyapatite, or Ca5(PO4)3(OH). Calcium in the form of calcium carbonate, or CaCO3, is found in seashells. next element previous element
Bananas are a rich source of potassium. The Latin name for potassium is “kalium”. next element previous element
Argon exists as a monoatomic gas. If electric current is passed through argon gas, the gas gives off a blue glow. This is how blue “neon” lights are made. Argon gas is also used in flashlights. next element […]
Chlorine, often in the form of calcium hypochlorite, Ca(OCl)2, is added to swimming pools to kill microorganisms. The acidic form of hypochlorite, hypochlorous acid (HOCl), is the effective antibiotic: OCl– + H3O+ –> HOCl + H2O This means that pool water must be kept acidic enough to allow HOCl to form, but not too acidic (you don’t […]
Sulfur is used to vulcanize rubber. Vulcanization is the process whereby long carbon chains are “linked” together by sulfur atoms. next element previous element
Phosphorus is found in ammonium phosphate, (NH4)3PO4, which is used in many fire extinguishers. next element previous element
