Hafnium | Chemistry

Ss Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia

Hafnium, 72, Ss Cyril and Methodius University, Skpoje, Republic of Macedonia

Hafnium: Hafnium is a silvery metal, which exhibits optical effects due to the formation of oxide film on its surface (shown by the colorful background). When powdered, it becomes pyrophoric (that is the reason for the flames around 72). The center is covered by the most notable property of hafnium: its high thermal neutron-capture cross-section. This particular characteristic allows hafnium to be used as a control rod for nuclear reactors. Also, it is a component in the alloys used for space rockets.Hafnium is a divine element! Its most abundant isotope, 180Hf contains 72 protons and 108 neutrons (72 = 23 32; 108 = 22 33). Cool, isn’t it?

Original artwork completed by Stevcho Kocevski; Miha Bukleski, Stevcho Kocevski, Vladimir Petrushevski, Tomche Runchevski, Birhan Sefer, Marina Stojanovska, Jasmina Tanatarec of The Happy Chemists Group, Department of Chemistry, Ss. Cyril & Methodius University, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia

Atomic properties*

Name:

Hafnium

Symbol:

Hf

Atomic number:

72

Atomic mass:

178.49 amu

Melting point:

2233ºC

Boiling point:

4603ºC

Density:

13.3 g/cm³

Electronegativity:

1.3

# of Isotopes:

6

State:

Solid

Colour:

Brilliant-silver-luster

Classification:

Metallic**

* Haynes, W. M. (2011). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 91st edition: http://www.hbcponline.com/ Retrieved April 7, 2011

** Winter, M. (2010). Home of the Periodic Table. Retrieved April 8, 2011, from Web Elements: http://www.webelements.com/