Barium, which has the symbol Ba, is an alkaline element with the atomic number 56.
Barium is a soft, silvery-white metal, and is highly reactive.
So, it's not found in nature as a free element. Instead, it is found in compounds, most commonly barite (barium sulphate) and witherite (barium carbonate).
Barium compounds are hazardous and can cause various problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc.
Yet, it has many uses in science and technology. Here are five of the most common ones:
1) TV and laptop monitors: Barium oxide is used to make cathode ray tubes for televisions and computer monitors, as it emits electrons when heated.
2) Magnets, hard disks: Barium ferrite is used to make magnets, magnetic tapes, and hard disks. It is resistant to environmental factors like humidity. So, it's a good candidate for long-term data storage.
3) Fireworks: Compounds of barium - barium nitrate and barium chlorate - are what give fireworks and flares the green colour.
4) X-ray imaging: Barium sulphate suspension (made by mixing barium sulphate with water) is used in hospitals as a contrast agent for X-ray imaging of the digestive system. It is swallowed or injected into the body and helps to highlight the organs and systems in the X-ray images.
5) Rodenticide: Barium carbonate is toxic and is a major component of rat poison.
Barium and its compounds are poisonous. Therefore, it is important to wear protective equipment and follow safety precautions when working with barium or its compounds.
Images from Pixabay
The information provided in this post has been obtained from multiple, authentic resources. However, it is presented in an abridged format and might not have all the details. Therefore, before acting on any information, readers are requested to exercise caution and do further research.
This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023. I am also on A2Z April Challenge.
Barium turned out to be more interesting than I thought.
ReplyDeleteFor something that toxic, it sure has a lot of use. Shows you how everything can be useful.
ReplyDeleteHi Suchita - Chemicals in general are harmful. But ironically, they are useful too!
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteOh I am going to enjoy this series from you, Pradeep; elements learned several times over and still stuff to learn (or remember!) YAM xx
Hi Yamini - Thank you so much. Luckily for me, April is a relatively easy month. So some time I have for the one-a-day posts.
DeleteThanks. I did not know Barium has this many uses. I know only one thing about barium. It is given orally before CT scan or X-ray.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I had heard of the element, but I had no idea what it was used for.
ReplyDeleteOof! Rat poison in some forms, part of fireworks in other forms, and ingested by humans for contrast in xrays in yet other forms! Really interesting!
ReplyDelete