BARIUM SULPHATE Meaning and
Definition
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Barium sulphate is a chemical compound with the molecular formula BaSO4. It is a white crystalline solid that is insoluble in water. In the context of chemistry and medical science, it is commonly referred to as barium sulfate as well.
Barium sulphate is widely used in various industries, including medical diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and paints. Its primary application is as a contrast medium in medical imaging procedures, such as X-rays and CT scans. When ingested or introduced into the body, it allows for better visualization of the gastrointestinal tract by absorbing X-rays and outlining the area of interest. In pharmaceuticals, it is also utilized as a filler in capsules and tablets due to its non-toxic and inert nature.
In the oil and gas industry, barium sulphate is employed as a weighting agent in drilling fluids. This helps control the downhole pressure and prevents blowouts during drilling operations. Additionally, it is utilized as a pigment extender in the manufacturing of paints, providing improved durability, opacity, and resistance to weathering.
Barium sulphate is considered safe for human consumption and has low acute toxicity. However, prolonged exposure or ingestion in large quantities can lead to certain health risks. These may include irritation of the respiratory system, gastrointestinal disturbances, and potential baritosis (a benign lung condition caused by inhalation of barium sulphate particles). Therefore, proper precautions and safety measures should be undertaken when handling or using barium sulphate to minimize any potential risks.
Common Misspellings for BARIUM SULPHATE
- varium sulphate
- narium sulphate
- harium sulphate
- garium sulphate
- bzrium sulphate
- bsrium sulphate
- bwrium sulphate
- bqrium sulphate
- baeium sulphate
- badium sulphate
- bafium sulphate
- batium sulphate
- ba5ium sulphate
- ba4ium sulphate
- baruum sulphate
- barjum sulphate
- barkum sulphate
- baroum sulphate
- bar9um sulphate
Etymology of BARIUM SULPHATE
The word "barium" comes from the Greek word "barys", which means heavy. "Barys" was used to describe the element due to its relatively high atomic weight.
The word "sulfate" is derived from the Latin word "sulphur", which means sulfur. In ancient times, sulfur was referred to as "sulfurium" in Latin. When combined with oxygen, it forms sulfur dioxide, which historically was called "sulfurum acidum" or "vitriolum", referring to a mineral acid. Over time, the spelling changed to "sulphuricum acidum", and eventually "sulfuric acid". The term "sulfate" was derived from sulfuric acid.
Therefore, when barium combines with sulfuric acid, it forms barium sulfate (also spelled as "sulphate" in British English).
Similar spelling words for BARIUM SULPHATE
- barium sulfate,
- barium sulphide,
- barium sulfite,
- barium sulphite,
- barium sulfide.
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