Scandium

Physical and chemical properties

Chemical:-Scandium

Symbol: Sc

Atomic number :21

Electronic Configuration:- 3d1 4s2

Molecular weight:- 45.00 g/mol

Colour:- White (flakes or pellets) , odorless

HISTORY OF SCANDIUM

• Lars Fredrik Nilson(1876):-Scandium came from the Latin word Scanda. This word means Scandinavia since rare metals are found there. This was done through a study of the euxenite ore. It is transitional metal and is a rare earth element since the characteristics are similar. It has a silvery-white colour.

Uses

Research purposes

In the  aerospace industry for applications

Scandium-Aluminum–In some kinds of athletic equipment (aluminum baseball bat, bicycle frames, lacrosse sticks )

Scandium iodide(alloy) – this is added to mercury vapor lamp for the production of high intensity of lights

radioactive isotope scandium-46—tracer in the oil refining to monitor the various fractions. It can also use to detect leaks from the underground pipes.

Health Effects

It not toxic but it might be cancerogenic.

Dangerous in work environment

•                 Cause lung embolisms (long-term exposure)
•                 Treat to liver( accumulates in the body)

 

Environmental problems

Dump into the environment in various places (petrol-producing industries)

Gradually accumulate in soils and water (increase concentration in soil particles, humans and water)