Catalyst of the Week: Nickel

The periodic symbol of Nickel is Ni. It has an atomic number of 28. The appearance of nickel is lustruous and silvery with a high shine and gold tinge. Coins made of pure nickel were first used in Switzerland in 1881. In the U.S., the term nickel was originally used for the Indian 1-cent coin made up of copper and nickel. This coin eventually evolved into the 5-cent nickel we know today.

Nickel is a very commonly known substance, it is most valued for the alloys it forms, especially superalloys like stainless steele. Nickel is one of four elements that are magnetic at or around room temperature (the others being cobalt, iron, and gadolinium). Nickel is used in stainless steel, magnets, coins, rechargeable batteries, and electric guitar strings.

Many people experience a contact allergic reaction to nickel, most commonly seen in those who wear earrings as an itchy and inflamed area around around the peirced area.

Nickel is found in an enzyme called urease which assists in the hydrolysis of urea.

VisionLearning.com

I enjoyed the visionlearning.com link the best. Honestly, the flash animations were quite nice, easy to follow and understand. I also appreciated that there was just enough information about the bonds to get a good grasp of the concepts without feeling overwhelmed.

Primo Levi

"Every two hundred years, every atom of carbon that is not congealed in materials by now stable (such as, precisely, limestone, or coal, or diamond, or certain plastics) enters and reenters the cycle of life, through the narrow door of photosynthesis."

It is clear to me that Primo Levi understood the importance of a good story and that one could be found in even the tiniest of places. I find his outline of the carbon life cycle fascinating and beautiful. It makes the sometimes cumbersome concepts of chemistry digestible and exciting when packaged in such a creative narrative.

Weaved throughout this story of the carbon atom are key chemical concepts and a lovely story of the adventure of life, bringing us to the truth of absolute interdependence down to the smallest parts.

Its funny to read a story about a tiny particle that exists in such abundance around me and to get lost in its travels from earth to sea to water and so on. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks Primo Levi!

Transition Metal of the Week: Manganese

The symbol for Manganese is Mn, its atomic # is 25 with an atomic mass of 55. Manganese is a required trace mineral for all known living organisms. Manganese is an antioxidant and also contributes to many health promoting activities such as wound healing, metabolism and bone development. Manganese helps the body absorb key nutrients as well as helps to synthesize fatty acids and cholesterol, maintain a healthy thyroid and healthy nerves. It also helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.

On the other hand, Manganese can be toxic at high levels, especially if inhaled directly. When this occurs over time (as in mines), the person can develop symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease with cognitive and motor impairments which are often irreversible. Manganese when inhaled goes directly to the brain which surpassing the important metabolic processing that is required by the liver in normal functioning. Individuals with impaired liver function due to diseases like cirrhosis may lose some ability to metabolize manganese and it can build up in the body.

Good sources of manganese in the diet are pineapple, whole grains, nuts and leafy vegetables. You can find more information about the merits of manganese here at the Linus Pauling Institute.

Atomic Properties Menu

I enjoyed the Atomic Properties Menu, found it easy to find my way around and best of all- in simple language I could easily digest!

Ozone

So far I have only asked my boyfriend the ozone question. He kind of looked at me sideways as if I was quizzing him and expecting him to know the answer (such a seemingly random thing to ask somebody- Hey, whatya think ozone is?). After some reassurance he stated that "ozone makes up the atmosphere and when there is a hole in it ultra-violet rays get in and that's not good." I thought that was a good answer!

I'll keep posting answers as I go along.

Platinum!

I chose my element of the week Platinum by closing my eyes and pointing my finger at the periodic table. Platinum is a precious metal that is quite rare here on earth taking up only .003 part per billion of the Earth's crust. It has an atomic number of 78 (thats 78 protons and 78 neutrons!) and an atomic mass of 195 (rounded). Platinum does not oxidize at any temperature and has a melting point of 3,215 degrees Fahrenheit. It has such a high melting point that you can melt away virtually all impurities out of platinum when processing it. Platinum exists in higher amounts on the moon and in meteorites. We believe the largest platinum reserve in the world (located in South Africa) was a result of a meteor crashing into earth.

Platinum is a symbol of prestige around the world. We are all familiar with Platinum memberships, platinum credit cards, platinum albums, wedding rings, etc..etc... This is due to its rarity, its durable chemical structure and its luster. There are many attractive things about platinum. However, it's most common use is as a catalyst in chemical reactions which is right behind watches, rings, the Queen's crown and other adornments. Platinum is ranked above silver, gold and bronze and just below diamond.