The spelling of the word "barii oxidum" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Barii" is pronounced as /ˈbæri/ with the stress on the first syllable, representing the element "barium." "Oxidum," on the other hand, is pronounced as /ɒksɪdʊm/ with the stress on the second syllable, representing the Latin word for "oxide." Combined, "barii oxidum" refers to the compound known as barium oxide, which is commonly used in the production of ceramics, glass, and other materials.
Barium oxide, more commonly known as barii oxidum, is a chemical compound with the formula BaO. It is a white, crystalline solid that is odorless and has a high melting point. Barium oxide is a powerful basic oxide, and it readily reacts with water to form barium hydroxide, a strong alkali. This compound is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns upon contact with skin and eyes.
Barium oxide is primarily used in various industrial applications, such as glass manufacturing, ceramic production, and the synthesis of other barium compounds. It is an essential ingredient in the production of optical glasses, as it improves the refractive index and transparency of the glass. Barium oxide is also employed in the creation of specialty ceramics, where it acts as a flux to lower the melting point of ceramic materials.
In the chemical industry, barium oxide serves as a catalyst in the synthesis of organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals and plastics. Additionally, it is used as a drying agent due to its ability to react with water, making it suitable for applications where water removal is necessary.
Due to its toxicity and potentially harmful effects on the environment, barium oxide should be handled with extreme caution. Proper safety measures, such as protective clothing and equipment, should be employed when working with this compound.
Barium oxide, baryta, BaO.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "barii oxidum" is a Latin term commonly used in chemistry. It is the Latinized form of the English term "barium oxide".
The etymology of "barium" can be traced back to the Greek word "barys", meaning "heavy". The element barium was named so due to its relatively high density compared to other elements.
The term "oxide" comes from the combination of the Greek word "oxy", meaning "acid", and the Latin word "de", meaning "away". It refers to the formation of a compound when an element combines with oxygen.
Therefore, the word "barii oxidum" combines the Latinized form of "barium" and "oxide", indicating the compound formed when barium combines with oxygen, known as barium oxide.