Chapter 22: Problem 13

Discuss the properties and uses of thorium.

Short Answer

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Thorium is a slightly-radioactive metallic element that belongs to actinide series of periodic table. It tarnishes slowly when exposed to air, forming thorium dioxide. It serves primarily as a nuclear fuel and is integral for manufacturing high-quality scientific and optical glass, and for application-specific arc-welding electrodes.

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Introduction to Thorium and its Elemental Properties

Thorium is a naturally-occurring, slightly radioactive element symbolized with Th and atomic number 90. It is a silvery, lustrous metal that tarnishes slightly when exposed to air, forming thorium dioxide. Thorium belongs to actinide series and it is four times more abundant in earth's outer and inner crust than uranium. It is chemically reactive and can form various compounds with other elements.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Thorium

Thorium exhibits several physical features. It has a melting point of 2023 K (1750 °C, 3182 °F) and boiling point of 5061 K (4788 °C, 8650°F). It also has an atomic weight of approximately 232.03806. Speaking of its chemical properties, Thorium is moderately hard, malleable, and it tarnishes slowly in air due to oxidation and forms thorium dioxide.

Uses of Thorium

Thorium primarily serves as a nuclear fuel. The element, in its isotope Thorium-232 form, can be transmuted into Uranium-233, also a nuclear fuel, through a process known as nuclear transmutation. Thorium is also used in the manufacturing of high-quality scientific and optical glass due its high refractive index and low dispersion. Furthermore, thorium is used in arc-welding electrodes for specialized applications, given the metal's capacity to produce hotter, more efficient welding arcs.

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Discuss the properties and uses of thorium.

Short Answer

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Introduction to Thorium and its Elemental Properties

Physical and Chemical Properties of Thorium

Uses of Thorium

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