LANTHANUM Meaning and
Definition
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Lanthanum is a chemical element with the symbol La and atomic number 57. It belongs to the group of elements known as the lanthanides, which are a series of 15 metallic elements found in the f-block of the periodic table. Lanthanum is a soft, malleable, and silver-white metal with a relatively low melting point.
In terms of its physical and chemical properties, lanthanum is highly reactive and readily forms compounds with other elements. It is usually found in combination with other rare-earth elements in minerals such as monazite and bastnasite. Lanthanum oxide, also known as lanthana, is one of the most common compounds of lanthanum and is used in the production of high-quality camera lenses, as well as in catalytic converters, glass manufacturing, and energy-efficient lighting.
Lanthanum has several important applications due to its unique properties. It has a high electrical resistivity, making it useful in the production of electrodes for nickel-metal hydride batteries. It is also used in the production of carbon arc lamps, which are employed in movie projectors and studio lighting. Additionally, lanthanum is utilized in the petroleum industry as a fluid-cracking catalyst for refining petroleum.
Overall, lanthanum is an important element with diverse applications in various industries. Its unique properties and availability in compounds make it a valuable resource for technological advancements and sustainable development.
Common Misspellings for LANTHANUM
Etymology of LANTHANUM
The word lanthanum comes from the Greek word lanthanein, which means to lie hidden or to be concealed. This name was given to the element due to the difficulty in separating it from other rare earth elements during its discovery in the 19th century. The Swedish chemist Carl Gustav Mosander first isolated lanthanum oxide (La2O3) from the mineral cerite in 1839, but it took several more years to obtain pure lanthanum metal. The element was initially named lanthanium by Mosander, but its name was later standardized to lanthanum.
Similar spelling words for LANTHANUM
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