HAFNIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Hafnium is a chemical element with the symbol Hf and atomic number 72. It is a silvery-gray metal that falls under the transition metals category on the periodic table. Hafnium is named after Hafnia, the Latin name for Copenhagen, Denmark, where it was discovered in 1923 by Dutch physicist Dirk Coster and Hungarian chemist George Charles de Hevesy.
Hafnium is known for its exceptionally high melting point and corrosion resistance. It is primarily used in the production of superalloys, which are heat-resistant alloys used in high-temperature applications such as turbine blades, reactor linings, and spacecraft engines. Moreover, hafnium has a strong affinity for oxygen and nitrogen, making it an excellent absorber of neutrons. Therefore, it is widely used as a neutron absorber in the control rods of nuclear reactors to regulate the fission process.
From a physical perspective, hafnium is a shiny metal that is malleable and ductile. It is commonly alloyed with other metals to enhance their properties. Hafnium compounds also find applications in the field of electronics, as they can be used in transistors, integrated circuits, and thin film coatings. Hafnium oxide is used as a high-k dielectric material, enabling the production of smaller and more efficient electronic devices.
Overall, hafnium is a versatile and valuable element in various industrial and technological applications due to its unique properties, such as high melting point, neutron absorption capabilities, and corrosion resistance.
Common Misspellings for HAFNIUM
Etymology of HAFNIUM
The element hafnium derived its name from the Latin name for Copenhagen, "Hafnia", because the element was discovered by a Danish chemist named Dirk Coster and the Dutch physicist George de Hevesy in 1923, while they were studying samples of zirconium ore.
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