MAGNESIUM DIBORIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Magnesium diboride is a chemical compound with the molecular formula MgB2. It is an inorganic, metallic, and superconducting compound that consists of magnesium and boron atoms bonded together. The compound is characterized by its unique structure and exceptional properties.
In terms of its physical properties, magnesium diboride appears as a grey crystalline solid with a hexagonal crystal structure. It has a melting point of around 850°C and is insoluble in water. The compound is known for its superconducting properties, meaning it can conduct electrical current without any resistance at very low temperatures. It possesses one of the highest superconducting transition temperatures among metallic compounds.
Magnesium diboride is primarily used in the field of superconductivity research and applications. Due to its superconducting properties, it finds potential uses in various fields, including electronics, electric power transmission, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and particle accelerators. The compound has attracted attention for its low cost, relative ease of synthesis, and potential to replace expensive superconductors, such as niobium-titanium or niobium-tin alloys.
In summary, magnesium diboride is an inorganic compound that exhibits superconducting properties. Its unique structure and high superconducting transition temperatures make it a valuable material for research and potential technological applications.
Etymology of MAGNESIUM DIBORIDE
The word "magnesium diboride" has a straightforward etymology based on the chemical elements it comprises.
1. Magnesium: The term "magnesium" is derived from Magnesia, a region in Thessaly, Greece, where magnesium compounds were first discovered. The name Magnesia itself comes from the Greek word "magnes" or "magnetes", referring to a magnetic stone found in the area.
2. Diboride: The prefix "di-" in "diboride" indicates that it contains two atoms of boron. "Boride" refers to a compound that contains boron. The term "boron" has an unknown etymology, though it is speculated to have originated from a combination of the Latin word "borax" (a boron compound) and the suffix "-on" frequently used in chemical terminology.
