Cobalt

Cobalt is a chemical element with the symbol Co and atomic number 27. It is a hard, lustrous, silver-gray metal. Cobalt is found in the Earth's crust at a concentration of about 25 parts per million. It is often produced as a by-product of copper and nickel mining.

Properties of Cobalt:

• Atomic number: 27
• Atomic symbol: Co
• Atomic weight: 58.933195
• Physical state at room temperature: Solid
• Melting point: 1495°C (2723°F)
• Boiling point: 2927°C (5301°F)
• Density: 8.9 grams per cubic centimeter

Uses of Cobalt:

Cobalt has several important uses, including:

1. Alloys: Cobalt is used to make high-strength alloys for jet engines and gas turbines.
2. Batteries: It is used in the production of rechargeable batteries, particularly in electric vehicles.
3. Pigments: Cobalt compounds are used to create blue and green pigments for ceramics, glass, and paints.
4. Medical applications: Cobalt-60, a radioactive isotope of cobalt, is used in cancer treatment and sterilization of medical equipment.

Study Guide Questions:

1. What is the atomic number of cobalt?
2. What are the physical properties of cobalt at room temperature?
3. What are some important uses of cobalt?
4. How is cobalt commonly obtained?

Feel free to use this study guide to test your knowledge of cobalt!