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hafnium

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Hafnium is a chemical element with the symbol Hf and atomic number 72. It is a lustrous, silvery-white, strong, dense, corrosion-resistant, and chemically inert transition metal. Hafnium is the second-rarest naturally occurring element in the Earth's crust, after rhenium. It is found in zirconium ores, where it is chemically similar. Hafnium is used in a variety of applications, including nuclear reactors, light bulbs, lasers, jet engines, and spacecraft.

How can the word be used?

Hafnium is a relatively rare element, with only about 1.3 parts per million in the Earth's crust.

hafnium

Different forms of the word

Noun: hafnium.

Adjective: hafnium-based.

Adverb: hafniumically.

Verb: hafniumize.

Etymology

The word "hafnium" is named after the Latin name for Copenhagen, where it was discovered in 1923. The name is a combination of the Latin word "Hafnia", which was the ancient name for Copenhagen, and the suffix "-ium", which is commonly used to name elements.

Question

What is hafnium?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Describe the significance of hafnium in modern technology and its role in enhancing certain materials.

Answer:

Hafnium, a transition metal, holds considerable importance in modern technology due to its remarkable properties. It is commonly used as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors, where its ability to capture neutrons helps control and sustain nuclear reactions. This application ensures reactor safety and prevents potential meltdowns.

Additionally, hafnium plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of certain materials. When alloyed with tungsten, it forms hafnium carbide, an extremely hard and heat-resistant compound used in cutting tools and aerospace components. Moreover, hafnium oxide is employed in semiconductor manufacturing as a high-k dielectric material, enabling the continued miniaturisation and improved performance of microchips.

In summary, hafnium's properties make it an indispensable element in both nuclear technology and materials science, contributing to the safety of nuclear reactors and advancing various industrial applications.