Hafnium (new) - Periodic Table of Videos
TLDRThe video script delves into the intriguing world of hafnium, element 72, highlighting its unique properties, such as resistance to acids and its impressive flame when finely divided in a Bunsen burner. It uncovers the element's history, including its contentious discovery and naming, and explores its applications, from rocket nozzles to potential use in smartphones, due to its role as an insulator in transistors and as a possible replacement for indium in transparent conductive layers.
Takeaways
- 🔥 Hafnium is an exciting element that burns well and has various applications, including in mobile phones and nuclear reactors.
- 📊 Hafnium is element number 72 on the periodic table and is in the same group as titanium and zirconium.
- 🗓️ 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of the paper announcing hafnium's discovery.
- 💬 There was a significant scientific debate in the early 20th century regarding the discovery and naming of hafnium.
- 🔨 Hafnium is a tough metal that doesn't easily dissolve in acids, even resistant to fuming nitric acid.
- 🌌 Aqua regia, a mixture of hydrochloric and concentrated nitric acid, can dissolve hafnium, albeit slowly.
- 🔍 The discovery of hafnium was initially confused with the discovery of rare earths and its correct placement in the periodic table was debated.
- 🏆 Hafnium was named after Copenhagen, believed to be from the Latin name 'Hafnia', and was supported by Niels Bohr.
- 🔥 Hafnium demonstrates high-temperature burning when finely divided, producing a visually impressive flame.
- ⚙️ Historically, hafnium had limited uses but is now important in electronics, particularly for making computer chips.
- 📱 There is potential for hafnium to replace indium in the transparent, electrically conducting layers of smartphone screens due to indium scarcity.
Q & A
What is hafnium and what is its significance?
-Hafnium is element number 72 on the periodic table, belonging to the same group as titanium and zirconium. It has various exciting properties, including its ability to burn well, its use in high-temperature applications, and its importance in electronics and nuclear technology.
Why is the year 2023 significant for hafnium?
-2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of hafnium, as the paper announcing its discovery was published on January 20, 1923.
What was the controversy surrounding the discovery of hafnium?
-The controversy arose due to a previous claim by a French chemist who thought he discovered element 72 and named it celtium. However, this claim was later proven incorrect, leading to skepticism when the actual discovery was announced by a Hungarian chemist and a Dutch colleague in 1923.
How did hafnium get its name?
-Hafnium was named after Copenhagen, Denmark, where it was discovered. The name is derived from the Latin word for Copenhagen, which they believed to be 'Hafnia'.
Why is hafnium difficult to dissolve in acids?
-Hafnium is resistant to most acids due to its chemical properties. Even strong acids like fuming nitric acid and concentrated hydrochloric acid do not affect it until aqua regia, a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acids, is used.
What is the significance of hafnium's resistance to acids in its discovery?
-The resistance to acids was a key factor in the discovery process, as it helped differentiate hafnium from other elements, especially since it was found as an impurity in zirconium minerals.
How does hafnium's burning properties relate to its use in technology?
-Hafnium's high-temperature burning properties indicate its suitability for applications that require materials to withstand extreme heat, such as in rocket nozzles and potentially in future electronic displays.
What is the current primary use of hafnium in the electronics industry?
-Hafnium is primarily used in the electronics industry for making computer chips due to its oxide's insulating properties, which are essential for the miniaturization of transistors.
How does hafnium's neutron absorption affect its use in nuclear reactors?
-Hafnium's ability to absorb neutrons makes it a poor impurity for nuclear reactors, as it can interfere with the nuclear chain reaction. This property is a disadvantage when hafnium is found as a byproduct in zirconium, which is used for cladding fuel rods in reactors.
What potential future use for hafnium is mentioned in the script?
-The script mentions a potential future use of hafnium in smartphone screens as a replacement for indium in the electrically conducting layer, due to indium's scarcity and hafnium's properties.
What role did famous scientists play in the naming controversy of hafnium?
-Niels Bohr supported the name 'hafnium,' while Ernest Rutherford supported 'celtium.' Both scientists were influential figures who tried to sway the decision of the editor of Nature, where the discovery was published.
Outlines
🔍 Discovery and Characteristics of Hafnium
Brady's inquiry about hafnium reveals its fascinating properties, such as its ability to burn well, its high cost, and its significance in both mobile phones and nuclear reactors. Element 72 on the periodic table, hafnium, is related to titanium and zirconium. Discovered in 1923, its confirmation led to major scientific disputes. Tony Lippman provided samples for experimentation, highlighting hafnium's resistance to acids except for aqua regia. This section details Neil's unsuccessful attempts to dissolve hafnium with various acids, ultimately succeeding with aqua regia.
🧪 Controversial Discovery of Hafnium
The discovery of hafnium was contentious. Initially claimed by French chemist Urbain, his findings were doubted due to previous errors. In 1923, Hungarian chemist Hevesy and Dutch colleague Coster, working in Denmark, announced hafnium's discovery, naming it after Copenhagen. The French opposed this due to post-World War I tensions and patriotic sentiments. Despite political and scientific lobbying, hafnium's association with zirconium minerals led to its acceptance over celtium, which would have confused students with its similarity to cerium.
🔥 Hafnium’s Unique Properties and Modern Applications
Hafnium's discovery and properties are explored further. Neil’s experimentation with hafnium filings demonstrates its impressive burning characteristics, similar to zirconium. Hafnium's historical lack of applications is noted, with recent developments in electronics, particularly in high-purity transistors and potential replacements for indium in smartphone screens, highlighting its newfound importance. The video concludes by inviting viewers to support the channel via Patreon and hints at hafnium's potential future in technology.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Hafnium
💡Periodic Table
💡Discovery
💡Chemical Reactions
💡Aqua Regia
💡Neutron Absorption
💡Zirconium
💡Transistors
💡Indium
💡Samsung
💡Bunsen Burner
Highlights
Hafnium, element 72, is more exciting than expected with its unique properties and applications.
Hafnium burns well and has intriguing links to mobile phones and nuclear reactors.
Hafnium is expensive and was discovered over 100 years ago in 1923.
The discovery of hafnium was accompanied by a major scientific controversy in the early 20th century.
Hafnium is difficult to work with, as demonstrated by the struggle to straighten it with hands and a hammer.
Hafnium is resistant to common acids, including fuming nitric and concentrated hydrochloric acid.
Aqua regia, a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acid, is capable of dissolving hafnium.
The discovery of hafnium was initially confused with the discovery of rare earths and other elements.
Hafnium was named after Copenhagen, reflecting its discovery location in Denmark.
The naming of hafnium was influenced by patriotism and scientific rivalry.
Hafnium's discovery was supported by famous physicists Niels Bohr and Ernest Rutherford.
Hafnium is found as an impurity in zirconium and was successfully isolated by looking in the right minerals.
Hafnium dust produces a visually impressive flame when burned in a Bunsen burner.
Hafnium's high-melting point made it useful in the Apollo lunar lander rocket nozzles.
Hafnium's neutron-absorbing properties make it a disadvantage in nuclear reactors but a byproduct of the zirconium industry.
Hafnium oxide is an excellent insulator for computer chips, increasing its demand in electronics.
Hafnium may replace indium in smartphone screens due to indium scarcity.
Samsung has patented the use of hafnium in transparent conductive screens for mobile devices.
Transcripts
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)
Thanks for rating: