Hello and welcome to Teach Kids Chemistry! Today, we will be discussing the element barium. Barium is a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the alkaline earth metals group on the periodic table. It has an atomic number of 56 and is represented by the symbol Ba. Barium is commonly used in X-ray imaging, fireworks, and glass manufacturing. Let’s dive in and learn more about this fascinating element!
The Periodic Element Barium Overview
Barium is a chemical element with the symbol Ba and atomic number 56. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the alkaline earth metals group. Barium has an atomic mass of 137.33 u and contains 56 protons, 56 electrons, and 81 neutrons. It is located in period 6 and group 2 of the periodic table. Barium is a metal that is highly reactive and easily oxidizes in air. It has an electronegativity of 0.89 and a specific heat capacity of 0.204 J/g·K.Barium has a melting point of 727°C and a boiling point of 1,897°C. It is a solid at room temperature and has a density of 3.51 g/cm³. Barium is commonly used in the production of various alloys, such as those used in spark plugs and vacuum tubes. It is also used in the production of fireworks, as it produces a green color when burned. Barium compounds are used in medical imaging, as they are opaque to X-rays and can be used to highlight certain areas of the body. However, barium is toxic and can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.
Everyday objects that contain the periodic element barium?
There are many everyday objects that contain chemicals or compounds that can be used to teach chemistry concepts. For example, water is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and can be used to teach about chemical formulas and the properties of different elements. Salt, which is made up of sodium and chlorine, can be used to teach about ionic bonding and the properties of salts. Baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate, can be used to teach about chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases. Other examples include vinegar, which is acetic acid, and aspirin, which is acetylsalicylic acid. By using everyday objects that contain chemicals, students can learn about chemistry concepts in a simple and relatable way.
Differences in the periodic element barium across states of matter
The state of an element can vary greatly depending on its temperature and pressure. At standard temperature and pressure (STP), most elements are either solids or gases. Solids have a fixed shape and volume, while gases have neither. As temperature and pressure increase, some solids can become liquids, which have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container. As temperature and pressure continue to increase, some liquids can become gases, which have neither a fixed shape nor volume. At extremely high temperatures and pressures, some gases can become plasmas, which are highly ionized and conductive. Plasmas are often found in stars and lightning bolts, and have unique properties such as the ability to emit light.
Is the periodic element barium dangerous or radioactive?
Barium is a chemical element with the symbol Ba and atomic number 56. It is not considered to be radioactive, but it can be dangerous if ingested or inhaled in large amounts. Barium compounds are often used in industrial processes, such as drilling for oil and gas, and in medical procedures, such as X-rays. However, exposure to high levels of barium can cause health problems, including gastrointestinal issues, muscle weakness, and respiratory failure. Therefore, it is important to handle barium and its compounds with care and follow proper safety protocols.
Is the periodic element barium rare and expensive?
Barium is not considered a rare or expensive element. It is a relatively common element found in the Earth’s crust and is often extracted from minerals such as barite and witherite. Barium is also used in a variety of industrial applications, including the production of glass, ceramics, and electronics. While it may not be as well-known as some other elements, barium is readily available and affordable for use in chemistry education and experimentation.
Learn about all the elements with a periodic table!