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chromium

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Chromium is a chemical element with the symbol Cr and atomic number 24. It is a hard, silvery-white metal that is highly resistant to corrosion.

Chromium is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Stainless steel: Chromium is a major constituent of stainless steel, which is a type of steel that is highly resistant to rust.
  • Chrome plating: Chromium is used to chrome plate other metals, which gives them a shiny, protective coating.
  • Pigments: Chromium is used to make a variety of pigments, including the green pigment chrome green.
  • Chromium is also an essential trace element for humans, and it plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids.

How can the word be used?

Chromium is a chemical element with the symbol Cr and atomic number 24.

chromium

Different forms of the word

Noun:

Singular: chromium.

Plural: chromiums.

Adjective:

Chromous: relating to or containing chromium.

Etymology

The word "chromium" comes from the Greek word "chroma", which means "color". The word "chromium" was first used in English in the 18th century to refer to a mineral that was found in the Ural Mountains in Russia. The mineral was later identified as chromium oxide, and the element chromium was named after it.

Question

Identify natural sources of chromium.

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

What is chromium, and what are some of its important properties and applications in various fields?

Answer:

Chromium is a metallic chemical element with the symbol Cr and atomic number 24. It is a hard, lustrous metal with a silver-grey appearance and is found naturally in various minerals.

Chromium exhibits several important properties, making it valuable in different applications. One of its notable characteristics is its resistance to corrosion, which is further enhanced through the formation of a thin, protective oxide layer on its surface. This property makes it ideal for plating and coating applications, such as chrome plating on various metal objects to improve their appearance and durability.

In the field of metallurgy, chromium is used as an alloying element to enhance the properties of steel. Stainless steel, for instance, contains chromium to increase its resistance to rust and provide a shiny, polished finish.

Chromium compounds also play a significant role in industrial processes and chemical manufacturing. Chromium salts are used in various industrial applications, including leather tanning, pigments in paints, and catalysts in chemical reactions.

However, certain forms of chromium, such as hexavalent chromium, can be toxic and harmful to human health. Thus, proper safety precautions and regulations are essential when handling and using chromium in industrial and scientific settings.