Elements and Their Uses

Atomic structure of sodium (Na)

Anelement is a substance made up ofatoms of the same type.It cannot be broken down into
simpler substances. Differentelements have different characteristics, which are determinedby
the number ofsubatomic particles (protons,neutrons andelectrons) they have. Scientists have
foundapproximately 100 natural elements so far; a further 15 or soartificial kinds have been
made by scientists inlaboratories. These elements are divided intometals, semi-metals and
non-metals. Anatom is the smallest part of an element that can exist. All the elements have
been arranged in atable, called thePeriodic Table, in order of their atomic numbers—the
number of protonsan element has in each of its atoms. Elements in the same group on the
Table have similarproperties.

Aluminium foil
AluminiumAluminium (chemical symbol Al; atomic number 13) is a poormetal, also called a
“post-transition metal”. Like the other poormetals, it is soft. Aluminium has lowdensity (is
“light”) and is agood thermal andelectrical conductor . As a result, aluminium iswidely used
invehicle and planeconstruction, drinks cansand power lines. Since aluminium bonds very
easily withoxygen,it is rarely found as a pure element. Most aluminium is obtained from
bauxite ore.

Antimony, a semi-metal
AntimonyAntimony (chemical symbol Sb; atomic number 51) is a semi-metal, also called
ametalloid. Semi-metals have properties in between metals and non-metals. Like other semi-
metals,antimony is metallic in appearance (it is grey and shiny) but too brittle to use on its
own forconstruction or tools. Antimony isoften used inalloys with other metals to harden
them. It isalloyed with lead in bullets, and with tin in pewter. It is alsoused in flame-
retardants, electronics and some pharmaceuticals. Antimony is toxic (poisonous).
 An argon laser
ArgonArgon (chemical symbol Ar; atomic number 18)is anoble gas. It is odourless
and colourless whenat room temperature and pressure. All the noblegases,
including helium, neon and xenon, have themaximum number of
electrons
possible in theouter shell of their atoms. This makes them stableandnon-
reactive. They rarely bond with otherelements.Argon is used for a
number of purposes where its non-reactive (“inert”) nature is useful:
influorescent lighting tubes, where it prevents oxygen eroding the hot
filament, and in graphiteelectric furnaces where it prevents the graphite
from burning. Argon is the third most abundantgas in theEarth’s
atmosphere.

The mineral arsenopyrite, a source of arsenic

ArsenicArsenic (chemical symbol As; atomic number 33) is a semi-metal, also

called a metalloid. Semi-metals have properties in between metals and non-metals.
Like other semi-metals,arsenic is metallic in appearance (it is grey and shiny) but
too brittle to use on its own for construction or tools. Arsenic iscommonly used in
alloys with other metals such as lead orcopper. Arsenic is toxic (poisonous). In the
past, its toxicityled to its use in pesticides, but environmental and health concerns
make this use rare today.

A “barium meal” X-ray

BariumBarium (chemical symbol Ba; atomic number 56) is one ofthealkaline earth
metals. Like the other alkaline earth metals, bariumis a shiny, silvery metal at room
temperature and pressure. Barium ischemicallyreactive (it bonds easily with other
elements) so it is neverfound in nature as a pure element. It is usually
extractedfromminerals such as barite and witherite. Barium metal is used inmetal
alloys. Barium compounds have a wider range of uses: forexample, barium
sulphate is used for gettingX-ray images of thedigestive system (a “bariummeal”)
and barium nitrate is used infireworks to give a green colour.
 Beryllium copper pliers

BerylliumBeryllium (chemical symbol Be; atomic number 4) is one of

thealkaline earth metals. Like the other alkaline earth metals, beryllium
is a shiny, silvery metal at room temperature and pressure. Beryllium
does not occur naturally as a pure element, but is found combined with
other elements in more than 100rare minerals. One of these minerals,
beryl, comes in the formof thegemstones aquamarine and
emerald. Beryllium is oftenused in alloys with other metals such as
aluminium and copper because of its strength, lowdensity (“lightness”)
and stability over a wide range of temperatures.

Borosilicate glassware
BoronBoron
(chemical symbol B; atomic number 5) is a semi-metal, also called
ametalloid. Semi-metals have properties in between metals and non-
metals.Like other semi-metals, boron is metallic in appearance (it is grey
andshiny) but too brittle to use on its own for construction or tools.
Boronmetal is found inmeteoroids —small lumps of rock in space, once
partsofcomets orasteroids —but does not occur naturally onEarth. Boron
isextracted from rocks containing boron compound minerals, such as
borax(sodium borate) and kernite (sodium borate hydroxide).
Boron compounds are
usedinfibreglass, polymers,ceramics, pharmaceuticals,fertilizers and
insecticides.
An ampoule containing bromine
BromineBromine (chemical symbol Br; atomic number 35) is ahalogen.
Thehalogens are non-metallic elements that are highly reactive (they
bondeasily with other elements) because they are missing an electron
intheir atoms' outer shells (they have seven). When bonded with
mostmetals, the halogens formsalts —halogen means “salt former”.
Theelements in the halogen group may be gas, solid or liquid
at roomtemperature. With a melting point of -7.2°C (19°F), bromine is
one ofonly two elements (mercury is the other) that are liquid at room
temperature. Liquid bromine isred-brown and evaporates easily, creating
an orange vapour with an unpleasant smell.Bromine is toxic (poisonous)
and corrosive (burns). Bromine does not occur naturally inelemental
form, but can be found as bromide salts (compounds containing
bromine) in rocks andseawater. Bromine compounds are used in flame
retardants, plastics and pharmaceuticals

The mineral greenockite

CadmiumCadmium (chemical symbol Cd; atomic number 48) is
a dense,shiny metal that is a good electrical conductor. Cadmium
is bluish-silver. It is easily shaped and is resistant to corrosion(decay
caused by reactions to oxygen orwater ), which makes ituseful as a
protective layer for other metals. However, cadmium istoxic (poisonous)
so its usage has fallen, although the compoundcadmium telluride is
today often used for photovoltaic panels.Cadmium is usually obtained
from rocks containing the mineral greenockite (cadmium
sulphide),which is rare.
Caesium exploding in cold water
CaesiumCaesium (chemical symbol Cs; atomic number 55) is one ofthe
alkali metals. Alkali metals react with water to formalkaline solutions.
They are generally soft, shiny and a palesilvery colour. Caesium has a
very low melting point (28.5°C/ 83.3°F) for a metal, making it one of
only five metals to beliquid near room temperature—the others are
mercury,francium, gallium and rubidium. It is the softest of allelements.
Caesium is hazardous, as it ignites in air and explodes on contact with
water.Caesium may be stable (non-radioactive) or unstable (radioactive)
—a radioactiveisotope(form)of caesium is caesium-137, which is
formed bynuclear fission. The compound caesium formateis commonly
used as a “drilling fluid” to help inoil extraction, lubricating drills and
maintaining pressure during drilling. The isotope caesium-133 is used
inatomic clocks. Caesium is usuallyobtained by mining the rare mineral
pollucite.

Calcium carbonate deposits

CalciumCalcium (chemical symbol Ca; atomic number 20) is one of the
alkalineearth metals. Like the others, calcium is a shiny, silvery metal at
roomtemperature and pressure. Calcium is so soft it can be cut with a
knife.Vital to living organisms, including humans, it helps
buildstrong bones,teeth andshells. While calcium is the fifth most
abundantelement in theEarth’s crust, it is found in minerals such as
calcite(calcium carbonate) rather than as a pure element. Calcium metal
is usedin metal alloys andcement. Calcium compounds have a variety of
uses: calcium sulphate is blackboard chalk; calcium hypochlorite is used
in disinfectants and deodorants; calciumgluconate is afood additive.
Charcoal briquettes made from sawdust

CarbonCarbon (chemical symbol C; atomic number 6) is a non-metalthat

is solid at room temperature. Unlike most elements, carbonoccurs as
several allotropes (allotropes are different forms of anelement, caused by
the atoms bonding together differently).Well-known carbon allotropes
are:diamond, which istransparent and extremely hard; graphite, which is
black andsoft; and amorphous carbon— coal is mostly amorphous
carbon.Carbon is the fourth most common element in theUniverse and
makes up one-fifth of thehuman body.Atoms of carbon bond easily with
other atoms, forming more than 10 million known compounds,more than
any other element. Common carbon compounds includecarbon
dioxide in the air,hydrocarbons (such asfossil fuels, petrochemicals and
plastics), carbonate rocks
(suchaslimestone andmarble),carbohydrates (such as sugars and
starches) andDNA.

Hypochlorous acid is added to swimming pools

ChlorineChlorine (chemical symbol Cl; atomic number 17) is
a halogen, a group ofnon-metallic elements. At room
temperature and pressure, chlorine is ayellow-green gas. The
halogens are highly reactive because they are missingan electron
in their outer shells (they have seven). They bond easily with
mostmetals to form salts. The most common compound of
chlorine is sodiumchloride: table salt. Pure chlorine is rare on
Earth: it is usually extracted fromsaltwater.Chlorine is a
common oxidizing agent, meaning it readily accepts electrons
from other atoms ormolecules.Oxidation can kill microbes or
whiten a substance, so for this reason, chlorine iscommonly used
as a bleach and disinfectant. It is also used in the chemical
industry to causereactions and form useful compounds, such as
polyvinyl chloride (PVC).Cobalt
Chinese dish painted with cobalt blue
Cobalt (chemical symbol Co; atomic number 27)is a transition
metal. These metals are usuallydense, shiny and make good
electrical conductors.Along with iron and nickel, cobalt is one of
threenaturally occurring metals that aremagnetic atroom
temperature. Cobalt is not found naturally inelemental form but
can be producedfromsmelting various minerals. Cobalt metal is
used to produce very hard alloys, used for products such as jet
engines, drill bits and prosthetic joints.For thousands of years,
the naturally-occurring compounds cobalt aluminate and cobalt
silicatehave been used for their blue colour—called cobalt blue
—for colouringceramics,glass and paints.

The Statue of Liberty is coated with copper

Copper Copper (chemical symbol Cu; atomic number 29) is a
transition metal. It isorangey in colour, soft and easily shaped. It
is also a very good conductorofheat andelectricity. Copper
slowly turns greenish when exposed tooxygen in the air, but this
layer of copper oxide protects the copper belowfrom damage—
unlike the rust formed on iron.Copper is widely used as a pure
metal, most commonly in electrical wiresand devices,
construction and machinery. It is also often combined withother
metals to form alloys, such as brass (with zinc), bronze (with
tin) andcupronickel (with nickel, widely used for coins).
Copper is mined from the Earth’s crust and canalso be extracted
from minerals such as chalcopyrite.
 . Fluorine
Fluoride tooth treatment
Fluorine (chemical symbol F;atomic number 9) is a halogen.
The halogens are non-metallic elements that are highly reactive
(bondingeasily with other elements) because they are missing
anelectron in their atoms' outer shells (they have seven).Fluorine
forms compounds with nearly all the otherelements. Fluorine
does not occur naturally inelemental form, but can be extracted
from minerals,such as fluorite. The elements in the
halogen group may be gases, solids or liquids
at roomtemperature: fluorine is a pale yellow gas.Fluoride, a
form of fluorine, is often added to drinking water and toothpaste
to preventtoothdecay by strengthening toothenamel. Compounds
of fluorine are widely used insteel-making,aluminium-refining,
the chemical industry and pharmaceuticals.

Making a gold bangle

GoldGold (chemical symbol Au; atomic number 79) is a
transition metal.It is yellow, shiny, soft and easily shaped. It is a
good conductor ofelectricity and slow to corrode (be destroyed
by chemical action). It isone of the least reactive elements and is
found in its elemental state inrocks andsediments. It also occurs
naturally as an alloy with silver,copper and palladium.
For millennia, gold’s useful and attractive properties (as well as
its rarity) have led to its being highly valued as a material for
jewellery, artand coins. Today, it is no longer used for coinage,
although gold bullion (bars and ingots) isoften kept as an
investment. A common industrial use of gold is as an electrical
connector
Helium
Helium (chemical symbol He; atomic number 2) is a noble gas.
The noblegases are sometimes called “inert” or “unreactive”
gases because they do noteasily form compounds with other
elements. Helium has the lowest boiling point (-268.9°C / -
452°F) of all the elements, so it is a gas except for
inexceptionally cold conditions—or extremely hot conditions,
when it becomes plasma. Helium gas is colourless, tasteless and
odourless. Heliumis the second most abundant element in the
Universe, after hydrogen,although it is rare in the Earth's
atmosphere.Most helium for commercial use is extracted
fromnatural gas. The best-known use of helium isin balloons
andairships, but it is chiefly used in cryogenics (creating very
low temperatures) andin various industrial processes.

The Sun
HydrogenHydrogen
(chemical symbol H; atomic number 1) is the simplest and
lightestelement: its atom has just two subatomic particles: one
proton and one electron.At room temperature and pressure,
hydrogen is a colourless, odourless, tasteless,non-toxic (not
poisonous), highly combustible (quick to catch fire) gas. The
mostabundant element in the Universe, hydrogen forms the bulk
of theSun and mostotherstars.Hydrogen easily forms covalent
bonds—chemical bonds in which pairs ofelectrons are shared
between atoms—with most non-metallic elements. As aresult,
the majority of hydrogen found on Earth is in compounds, most
commonly in water(joined to oxygen to form( H2O),
as well as hydrocarbons (joined to carbon to form fuels)
andcarbohydrates (joined to carbon and oxygen to form sugars
and starches).In 1781, it was discovered that hydrogen produces
water when burned, for which it was given thename hydrogen
(from the Greek

hydro
, meaning “water”, and
genes
, meaning creator).

Iodine is used as a disinfectant.

IodineIodine (chemical symbol I; atomic number 53) is
a halogen. Thehalogens are non-metallic elements that are
highly reactive (they bond easily with other elements) because
they are missing anelectron in their atoms' outer shell (they
have seven). Iodine is a blue-black solid that becomes a purple
gas at room temperature(iodine comes from the Greek
iodes
, meaning “violet”). Iodine is rare on Earth, but iodine
compounds, in the form of salts, are found in seawater. We need
iodinefor the correct working of thethyroid gland, so iodine
compounds are often given as dietarysupplements. Iodine is also
used in the chemicals industry
An iron meteorite
IronIron (chemical symbol Fe; atomic number 26) is
a transitionmetal. These metals are usually dense, shiny
and make goodelectrical conductors. Along with nickel
and cobalt, iron is one of three naturally occurring metals
that are magnetic at roomtemperature. Iron is the fourth
most common element in theEarth’s crust, but it reacts
easily with oxygen, so it is most oftenfound as iron oxide
minerals. Iron is obtained from these ores byheating them
until they melt, a process called smelting.

Ironwork at Liverpool Street Station, London

Essential to construction, machinery and chemical
industries,iron is the most widely used metal of all.
Because of its tendency to rust(it oxidizes in air), it is
often painted or coated. Iron is usually mixedwith other
metals in alloys to make it stronger or more resistant
torusting or both. Alloys include cast iron (with carbon)
and steel (withcarbon and elements such as manganese,
phosphorus, sulphur andsilicon).Iron is also an important
element in the bodies of all living things. Ifhumans lack
iron in their diet, they may suffer from the iron-
deficiencycondition, anaemia.
Wearing a lead apron for an X-ray
LeadLead (chemical symbol Pb; atomic number 82) is a
poor metal, also calleda “post-transition metal”. Like the
other poor metals, lead is soft. It is shinysilver-blue but
quickly reacts with oxygen in air to become dull
grey.Elemental lead is rare on Earth: lead is most often
obtained from leadcompound minerals, such as galena
(lead sulphide).Lead is the heaviest non-radioactive
element. Its density makes it useful asa shield fromX-
raysandgamma rays —for example, in lead aprons worn
to protect other parts of the body during X-rays. Lead is
also used in bullets,car batteries, ballast and weights,
construction and electronics. Lead is poisonous to humans
andanimals, and so is no longer used in pipes and paints.

Lithium floating in oil

LithiumLithium (chemical symbol Li; atomic number 3) is
an alkali metal. Thesemetals react with water to form alkaline
solutions. At room temperature and pressure, alkali metals are
generally soft, shiny and pale grey. Lithium is thelightest metal
and the least dense solid element of all. It is a good conductorof
heat and electricity. Like all alkali metals, lithium is flammable
and highlyreactive. It bonds so easily with other elements that
lithium metal is neverfound in nature, but is obtained from
compound minerals and salts inseawater, rocks andclay.Lithium
and its compounds are used in lithium batteries (as anodes,
through which electricalcharge flows), in light but strong metal
alloys, such as with aluminium, in heat-resistant glassand
ceramics and in mood stabilizing medications (lithium salts
affect thenervous system).
 Magnesium emergency fire starter kit
MagnesiumMagnesium (chemical symbol Mg; atomic number
12) is analkaline earth metal. Like the other alkaline earth
metals,magnesium is a shiny, silvery metal at room temperature
and pressure. However, it tarnishes quickly on being exposed
toair. Magnesium is chemically very reactive (it bonds
easilywith other elements) so it is never found in nature in
elementalform, but it can be obtained by from magnesium
saltsdissolved in seawater. It burns with a brilliant white
light,making it useful for emergency flares and firework
sparklers.Magnesium's low density makes it good for
lightweight alloys, particularly with aluminium, forconstruction,
vehicles and electronics. Magnesium is also used in
pharmaceuticals—for example,in products that combat stomach
acid or constipation.

Liquid mercury
MercuryMercury (chemical symbol Hg; atomic number
80) is a transitionmetal. Mercury is rare in the Earth’s
crust but can be extracted from oressuch as cinnabar
(mercury sulphide). Mercury has the lowest melting point
of any metal (-38.8°C / -37.9°F), making it liquid at
roomtemperature. It is used in
somethermometers although concerns about itstoxicity
have reduced this use. Mercury can dissolve many other
metals —apart from iron, platinum and a few others—to
form amalgams; silver,tin and copper amalgams are
used for dental fillings Mercury vapour is used in fluorescent
lights. A tube coated with phosphor is filled with mercuryvapour. When
electricity passes through the vapour,
it producesultraviolet
light, which makesthe phosphor fluoresce

Neon signs in Shanghai, China

Neon Neon (chemical symbol Ne; atomic number 10) is a noble
gas, alsocalled an “inert” or “inactive” gas. Like the other noble
gases, it isan odourless, colourless gas when at room
temperature and pressure. The noble gases all have the
maximum number ofelectrons possible in the outer shell of their
atoms. This makes themstable and non-reactive—they rarely
bond with other elements. Neon is the fifth most common
element in the Universe (afterhydrogen, helium, oxygen and
carbon) but makes up only a tiny portion of Earth’s atmosphere.
Neon can only be obtained from thedistillation of liquid air,
making it expensive. Neon's most well-known use is in neon
signs. Electricity is passed through a sealed glass tubefilled with
neon gas. The neon atoms become excited and give off photons
(elementary particles)of red light. A mixture of different noble
gases can make different colours.

A cupronickel coin
Nickel Nickel (chemical symbol Ni; atomic number 28) is a
transition metal.These metals are usually dense, shiny and make
good electricalconductors. Along with iron and cobalt, nickel is
one of three naturally-occurring metals that are magnetic at
room temperature. Nickel is hard,easily shaped and silvery-gold
coloured. Nickel is slow to react with oxygen so it is often used
for corrosion-resistant coatings and alloys, such as stainless
steel. The alloy cupronickelis often used in coins. It is also used
in the chemical industry asacatalyst (a substance that speeds up a
reaction) in hydrogenation. Nickelis obtained from ores such as
pentlandite, an iron-nickel sulphide

Freezing materials in liquid nitrogen

Nitrogen Nitrogen (chemical symbol N; atomic number
7) is a non-metal thatis a gas at room temperature.
Colourless, odourless and tasteless,nitrogen makes up
more than three-quarters of the Earth’satmosphere.
Nitrogen is produced industrially by the distillation
ofliquid air. At room temperature, nitrogen combines with
very fewother elements, but nitrogen compounds are
essential to livingorganisms (in proteins and nucleic
acids). Nitrogen is widely used in the chemical industry:
forexample,ammonia, a compound of nitrogen and
hydrogen, is used in fertilizers, cleaners
and pharmaceuticals. At a very low temperature (-196°C /
-321°F), nitrogen becomes a liquid andcan be used to
rapidly freeze materials.

Fighter pilot wearing an oxygen mask

OxygenOxygen (chemical symbol O; atomic number 8) is
a non-metallic elementthat is a gas at room temperature.
Colourless, odourless and tasteless,oxygen is one of
the commonest elements on Earth. It makes up one-fifthof
the atmosphere and is found in most minerals in the
Earth’s crust.Bonded with hydrogen, it forms water.
Oxygen bonds easily with manyother elements to form
compounds called oxides in a chemical reactioncalled
oxidation. Sometimes this is a slow process, as when iron
turns torust (iron oxide) in damp air. But if oxygen reacts
very quickly,combustion (burning) takes place, with
flames, light and heat given off.Oxygen is essential for all
living things (except for a few specialized types of
microbes): theymust take in oxygen to stay alive. This is
because oxygen is a vital part of chemical changesinside
each microscopicliving cell, which break apart
food substances to obtain the energy forlife.

Striking a safety match

PhosphorusPhosphorus (chemical symbol P; atomic
number 15) is a non-metallicelement. Solid at room
temperature, it has several different allotropes(forms),
including white, red, violet and black
phosphorus. White phosphorus glows when exposed to
oxygen. As a component of DNAandcell membranes,
phosphorus is essential to all living things.
Phosphorus is highly reactive (it bonds easily with
other elements) so it is found only ascompounds in
phosphate minerals. These are used to produce
fertilizers, detergents andmatches. When a safety
match is struck against the surface of its box—which
is coated with red phosphorus and ground glass—
thefriction produces enough heat to turn the very
small amountof red phosphorus on the match head
into white phosphorus, which catches fire on contact
withair.

Nugget of platinum from a Russian mine

PlatinumPlatinum (chemical symbol Pt; atomic
number 78) is atransition metal. It is shiny, grey,
dense and easilyshaped. It is very rare in the Earth’s
crust and isconsidered a precious metal. Platinum is
the leastreactive metal, and so is useful for electronic
parts,dentistry equipment and the catalyst
incatalyticconverters (which convert toxic pollutants
in vehicleexhaust gas to less toxic ones). Platinum is
very slow tocorrode, which makes it popular for
jewellery.
 A ring of plutonium
PlutoniumPlutonium (chemical symbol Pu; atomic
number 94) is anactinide, a group of radioactive metals.
The atoms of aradioactive element are unstable: they are
likely to break up.Radioactivity, also called radioactive
decay, is the process bywhich the nucleus of an unstable
atom loses energy by emitting particles or rays.
Radioactivity harms living things, but undercontrolled
conditions it is very useful for generatingenergy.Tiny
quantities of plutonium exist in nature, but nearly
all plutonium is usually produced innuclear reactors, in
which the nuclear fission process convertsuranium to
plutonium.There are 15 to 20 isotopes of plutonium
(isotopes are forms of an element that have the
samenumber of protons in the atom but a different
number of neutrons). Two isotopes of
plutonium, plutonium-239 and plutonium-249, are fissile
—the energy from their atoms can be harnessed
fornuclear chain reactions to take place—and so are used
in nuclear reactors and weapons.
Potassium reacting with water
PotassiumPotassium (chemical symbol K; atomic
number 19) is an alkalimetal. At room temperature
and pressure, these metals aregenerally soft, shiny
and a pale silvery colour. Potassium reactsviolently
with water, making enough heat to ignite the
hydrogenemitted in the reaction, which burns with a
lilac flame. Potassiumalso reacts strongly to oxygen
in air, forming potassium peroxide,turning the metal
dull grey. Potassium is so reactive that the metalis
never found in nature; it is obtained instead from
compound minerals and salts in seawater
androcks.Potassium is a vital mineral needed for the
human body's cells (and those of all living things)
tofunction. It accumulates in the cells of plants, so
freshfruit and vegetables are a good source ofit.
Potassium used to be extracted from the ashes of
plants, giving the name of its
salts:"potash".Crops growing in field rapidly deplete
thesoil of potassium, hence the need forfertilizers
containing potassium compounds. Potassium nitrate,
one of the main ingredients ofgunpowder, is used in
rocket propellants and gunpowder as well as
fertilizers.
The Curies experimenting with radium
RadiumRadium (chemical symbol Ra; atomic
number 88) is one of the alkalineearth metals.Marie
and Pierre Curie discovered radium in 1898.
Radiumis silvery-white but it quickly reacts with
nitrogen in the air to forma black layer of radium
nitride. Radium has 33 isotopes (isotopes areforms
of the element that have the same number of protons
in the atom but a different number of neutrons). All
of them are radioactive, whichmeans that their atoms
are unstable and likely to break up. As they do so,the
nuclei lose energy by emitting particles or rays.
Radium is so radioactive that it kills livingcells, and
its use is confined to checking for flaws in metallic
parts of machines or structures.Radium is present in
tiny quantities in uranium ores.

Integrated circuit
SiliconSilicon (chemical symbol Si; atomic number
14) is a semi-metal, alsocalled a metalloid. Semi-
metals have properties in between metals andnon-
metals. Like other semi-metals, silicon is metallic in
appearance (itis grey and shiny) but too brittle to
use on its own for construction ortools. Silicon is not
found in nature, but over 90% of the Earth’s crustis
made up of silicate minerals (compounds that contain silicon).