What is Nickel?
Nickel is a chemical element with the symbol Ni and atomic number 28. It is a silvery-white lustrous metal with a slight golden tinge. Nickel belongs to the transition metals and is hard, malleable, and ductile. It is widely used in various industrial and commercial applications due to its unique properties.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Nickel
- Atomic number: 28
- Atomic mass: 58.6934 atomic mass units
- Physical state at room temperature: Solid
- Melting point: 1455°C (2651°F)
- Boiling point: 2730°C (4946°F)
- Density: 8.908 g/cm3
- Chemical symbol: Ni
- Electron configuration: [Ar] 3d8 4s2
Uses of Nickel
Nickel is widely used in various industrial and commercial applications, including:
- Manufacturing of stainless steel and other alloys
- Electroplating to provide a decorative and protective coating
- Production of coins, including the US 5-cent coin (nickel)
- Catalysts in the chemical industry
- Magnetic alloys and materials
- Batteries, including rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries
Environmental and Health Considerations
Nickel and its compounds can have both positive and negative environmental and health effects. While nickel is an essential nutrient for some organisms, excessive exposure to nickel can lead to health issues such as skin rashes and allergies. It is important to handle nickel and its compounds with care and follow proper safety guidelines.
Study Guide for Nickel
When studying nickel, consider the following key points:
- Understand the basic properties of nickel, including its physical state, atomic number, and atomic mass.
- Explore the various industrial and commercial uses of nickel, and how its properties make it suitable for these applications.
- Examine the environmental and health considerations associated with nickel, and the importance of responsible handling and disposal of nickel compounds.
- Research the history of nickel, including its discovery, early uses, and significance in modern industry.
- Conduct experiments or demonstrations to observe the physical and chemical properties of nickel, such as its magnetic properties and reaction with acids.
[Nickel] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂Physics Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Light and Optics
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Light and Optics 
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Light and Optics Worksheet/Answer key
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Light and Optics Vocabulary/Answer key
Light and Optics Vocabulary/Answer key
Light and Optics Vocabulary/Answer key
Light and Optics
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
Skills And Processes: The student will demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent in the practice of science. The student will use the language and instruments of science to collect, organize, interpret, calculate, and communicate information.
The student will pose scientific questions and suggest investigative approaches to provide answers to questions.
The student will test a working hypothesis. (NTB)
The student will use appropriate methods for communicating in writing and orally the processes and results of scientific investigation.
The student will describe similarities and differences when explaining concepts and/or principles.
The student will use mathematical processes.
The student will use ratio and proportion in appropriate situations to solve problems.
Concepts Of Earth/Space Science: The student will demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills and processes (Core Learning Goal 1) to explain the physical behavior of the environment, Earth, and the universe.
The student will identify and describe techniques used to investigate the universe and Earth.
The student will describe the purpose and advantage of current tools, delivery systems and techniques used to study the universe.
Concepts Of Physics: The student will demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills and processes (Core Learning Goal 1) to explain and predict the outcome of certain interactions which occur between matter and energy.
The student will investigate certain topics in modern physics.
The student will cite evidence of the wave/particle duality in the nature of matter.