Nickel
by Yogi P - October 22, 2023
Nickel: The Foundation of Our Life
Nickel is an incredibly tough and corrosion-resistant metal found abundantly in Earth’s crust. Its low melting point and magnetism makes it an important industrial material used in various applications and products, such as batteries, electronic devices, coins, stainless steel, etc.
Nickel can even be found in nature-based products, such as jewelry, as some people have allergies to it! Therefore, it is clear that Nickel plays a vital role in our day-to-day life.
History and Discovery of Nickel
Nickel was discovered by Axel Cronstedt, a Swedish scientist, in 1751. He originally named the element Nichollet, but this was later changed to Nickel in 18th century.
Cronstedt found the element inside a red ore mineral called niccolite, which is why the element was given the name Nickel after the old German word ‘kupfernickel’, meaning ‘Nichollet’ or ‘Old Nick’s’ copper. This gave rise to the current name of Nickel.
Properties of Nickel
- Atomic number : 28
- Symbol : Ni
- Atomic mass : 58.6934
- Melting point : 1453°C (2667°F)
- Boiling point : 2732°C (4950°F)
- Density : 8.908 g/cm3
- Valence electrons : 10
Uses of Nickel
Nickel is widely used in various day-to-day materials and objects. Its high-resistance to corrosion in particular makes it an ideal candidate for products that aim to survive any environment.
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Batteries | Nickel is commonly found in lithium-ion and nickel-metal-hydride batteries, providing a longer runtime and better performance compared to other metals. |
| Coins | Nickel is used to produce coins, such as the 5 cent and 10 cent American coins, due to its dense and malleable nature, making it an ideal material for coins. |
| Stainless Steel | Nickel is an essential element of stainless steel, preserving its durability under extreme conditions. |
| Electronic Devices | Nickel is used in small components of electronic devices like TVs, computers, and phones as a conductor and resistive material. |
| Jewelry | Nickel is often used in certain types of jewelry, primarily due to its color and its ability to remain attractive over time. |
Safety Precautions
As Nickel is a metal, some of the safety precautions to be taken to prevent any harm include wearing an appropriate face mask, proper gloves, and any other needed personal protective gear when dealing directly with Nickel.
Proper storage of any Nickel products is also necessary, as it can dwindle over time when exposed to the environment. Whenever handling Nickel, it is essential to observe the OSHA guidelines and regulations related to it.
Conclusion
Nickel is a resilient and versatile metal with properties that makes it ideal for various applications, ranging from coins to jewelry, batteries to stainless steel. It plays a critical role in everyday life and it is important to adhere to safety regulations when handling it.
On a larger scale, Nickel is an essential element in the economy and its importance is only growing as time passes.
