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zirconium

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40. It is a silvery-white, lustrous, transition metal that is the fourth-most abundant element in the Earth's crust.

Zirconium is a strong and durable metal that is also resistant to corrosion. It is often used in applications where these properties are important, such as in jewellery, nuclear reactors, and jet engines.

Zirconium is also a good conductor of heat and electricity. It is used in a variety of other applications, including:

  • Medical implants: Zirconium is used in medical implants, such as hip and knee replacements, because it is biocompatible and does not cause any allergic reactions.
  • Catalysts: Zirconium is used in catalysts, which are substances that speed up chemical reactions.
  • Pigments: Zirconium is used in pigments, which are used to colour paints, plastics, and other materials.
  • Refractory materials: Zirconium is used in refractory materials, which are materials that can withstand high temperatures.

How can the word be used?

Refractory materials such as zirconium is used in refractory materials, which are materials that can withstand high temperatures.

zirconium

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • zirconium (a chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40).
  • zirconium dioxide (a white, crystalline solid with the formula ZrO2).
  • zirconium carbide (a hard, grey-black solid with the formula ZrC).

Adjective:

  • zirconium-based (made from or containing zirconium).
  • zirconium-doped (containing zirconium atoms that have been added to another substance).

Etymology

The word "zirconium" comes from the Persian word "zargun", which means "golden-colored". The Persian word "zargun" was borrowed into the Latin language as "zirconus", and the English word "zirconium" is derived from this Latin word.

The element zirconium was first discovered in 1789 by Martin Heinrich Klaproth, a German chemist. Klaproth found zirconium in the mineral zircon, which is a type of gemstone.

Question

What are the properties of zirconium?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Describe the properties of zirconium and its applications in various industries. Discuss how zirconium's corrosion resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures contribute to its suitability for specific uses.

Answer:

Zirconium is a transition metal known for its unique properties that make it valuable in various industries. One notable feature of zirconium is its exceptional resistance to corrosion, which makes it particularly appealing for applications in aggressive environments, such as chemical processing plants and nuclear reactors. Its resistance to corrosion is due to the formation of a protective oxide layer on its surface.

Furthermore, zirconium's ability to withstand high temperatures without losing its mechanical properties contributes to its versatility in multiple sectors. In the aerospace industry, zirconium alloys are utilized for components in engines and airframes, where they maintain stability and integrity under extreme thermal conditions.

In the medical field, zirconium finds application in orthopaedic implants due to its biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and low toxicity. Zirconium oxide is also used as a biomaterial in dental crowns and implants.

In nuclear technology, zirconium is a vital component in fuel rods for nuclear reactors. Its low neutron absorption and resistance to corrosion and high temperatures make it suitable for containing and transporting nuclear fuel.