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niobium

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Niobium is a chemical element with the symbol Nb and atomic number 41. It is a silvery-white, hard, ductile, and malleable metal with a high melting point. Niobium is a transition metal that is chemically similar to tantalum.

Niobium is found naturally in the Earth's crust in the minerals pyrochlore and columbite. It is also produced as a byproduct of the mining of other metals, such as tin and tungsten.

Niobium is a valuable metal because it is strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion. It is also relatively inexpensive. Niobium is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Superconductors: Niobium is used to make superconducting wires and magnets. Superconductors are materials that can conduct electricity with no resistance. This makes them very useful for applications where it is important to have no heat loss, such as in MRI machines and particle accelerators.
  • Superalloys: Niobium is used to make superalloys, which are alloys that are very strong and resistant to heat and corrosion. Superalloys are used in a variety of applications, such as jet engines and turbines.
  • Nuclear reactors: Niobium is used to make control rods in nuclear reactors. Control rods are used to absorb neutrons, which helps to control the reaction in the reactor.
  • Medical implants: Niobium is used to make some medical implants, such as artificial joints and pacemakers. Niobium is a good choice for medical implants because it is strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion.

How can the word be used?

Niobium is used in a variety of applications, including superconductors, high-strength alloys, and nuclear reactors.

niobium

Different forms of the word

Noun: A chemical element with the symbol Nb and atomic number 41.

Adjective: Relating to niobium.

Etymology

The word "niobium" comes from the name of Niobe, a daughter of Tantalus in Greek mythology. Niobe was a proud woman who boasted that she was better than the goddess Leto. Leto had two children, Apollo and Artemis, and Niobe had seven sons and seven daughters. Niobe's children were killed by Apollo and Artemis, and Niobe was turned to stone by Zeus.

Question

What is niobium?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Discuss the properties and applications of niobium in the field of materials science.

Answer:

Niobium, symbolised as Nb, is a transition metal known for its unique properties that make it valuable in various applications within the realm of materials science. With an atomic number of 41, niobium is characterised by its high melting point, excellent ductility, and resistance to corrosion. These attributes render it an essential element in the creation of high-performance alloys.

One of the primary applications of niobium is in the production of superalloys, which are used in aerospace and high-temperature environments. Niobium's ability to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh conditions makes it a key ingredient in jet engines, rocket nozzles, and other components subjected to intense heat and stress. Additionally, niobium's capacity to form strong and stable carbides enhances its effectiveness in enhancing the mechanical properties of alloys.

Niobium is also utilised in the fabrication of superconductors. When alloyed with other elements, niobium becomes superconductive at low temperatures, enabling the construction of powerful and efficient magnets for applications like MRI machines and particle accelerators. These superconducting magnets generate strong magnetic fields with minimal energy loss, making them vital for advanced scientific research and medical imaging.