Hello and welcome to Teach Kids Chemistry! Today, we will be discussing the element cadmium. Cadmium is a silvery-white metal that is commonly used in batteries, pigments, and coatings. It is also found in some foods and tobacco smoke. In this lesson, we will explore the properties and uses of cadmium, as well as its potential health effects. So, let’s get started!
The Periodic Element Cadmium Overview
Cadmium is a chemical element with the symbol Cd and atomic number 48. It is a soft, bluish-white metal that is found in the earth’s crust. Cadmium has an atomic mass of 112.41 and is located in period 5 and group 12 of the periodic table. It has 48 protons, 64 neutrons, and 48 electrons. Cadmium is a transition metal and is classified as a metal. It has an electronegativity of 1.69 and a specific heat capacity of 0.23 J/g·K. The melting point of cadmium is 321.07°C, and its boiling point is 767°C. The density of cadmium is 8.65 g/cm³.Cadmium is a toxic element and is used in a variety of industrial applications, including batteries, pigments, and coatings. It is also used in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber. Due to its toxicity, cadmium is regulated by many countries, and its use is restricted in some applications. Cadmium is a relatively rare element, and its extraction from ores is expensive. Despite its toxicity, cadmium has some beneficial uses, such as in the production of solar cells and as a component in some alloys.
Everyday objects that contain the periodic element cadmium?
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 compounds. Salt, which is made up of sodium and chlorine ions, can be used to teach about ionic bonding and the properties of solutions. 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 relatable and understandable way.
Differences in the periodic element cadmium 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 cadmium dangerous or radioactive?
Cadmium is a chemical element with the symbol Cd and atomic number 48. It is a soft, bluish-white metal that is not naturally radioactive. However, cadmium is considered a toxic heavy metal and can be harmful to human health if ingested or inhaled in large amounts. It is commonly used in batteries, pigments, and coatings, and exposure to cadmium can cause lung damage, kidney damage, and cancer. Therefore, it is important to handle cadmium and its compounds with care and follow proper safety protocols when working with them.
Is the periodic element cadmium rare and expensive?
Cadmium is not considered a rare element, but it is relatively expensive due to the difficulty in extracting it from its ores. It is primarily obtained as a byproduct of zinc production, and its use is limited due to its toxicity. Cadmium is used in a variety of applications, including batteries, pigments, and coatings, but its use is being phased out in many industries due to environmental concerns. Overall, while cadmium is not rare, its cost and limited use make it a less commonly encountered element in everyday life.
Learn about all the elements with a periodic table!