Rhenium Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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rhenium
[ˈrēnēəm ]
Definition
chemical element
Rhenium is a rare, silvery-gray metal that is one of the densest elements in the periodic table. It is classified as a transition metal and is represented by the symbol Re. Rhenium is notable for its high melting point and is often used in high-temperature superalloys. Furthermore, it has applications in catalysts used in petroleum refining and in the production of certain types of electrical contacts and filaments.
Synonyms
Re, heavy metal, transition metal.
Examples of usage
- Rhenium is often alloyed with other metals for improved performance.
- The discovery of rhenium advanced the field of materials science.
- Rhenium catalysts are essential in the refining of oil.
- Researchers are studying rhenium's properties for potential electronic applications.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Chemical Properties
- Rhenium is one of the heaviest elements on the periodic table and has a very high melting point, making it useful for high-temperature applications.
- It can be found in the atomic number 75 spot on the periodic table, and it is classified as a transition metal.
Uses
- Due to its ability to withstand high temperatures, rhenium is commonly used in jet engines, making them more efficient.
- It is also used in electrical contacts and in a variety of chemical catalysts, which help speed up reactions.
Rarity
- Rhenium is one of the rarest elements in the Earth's crust, with a concentration of about 0.7 parts per million.
- Its scarcity makes it quite expensive; in fact, it's often considered more valuable than gold!
Historical Context
- For decades, rhenium's use was limited due to its rarity, but advancements in recovery techniques have increased its availability.
- The development of high-performance alloys in the 1960s significantly boosted the demand for rhenium.
Origin of 'rhenium'
Main points about word origin
- The name 'rhenium' comes from the Rhine River in Germany, where the element was first discovered.
- It was first isolated in 1925 by scientists Walter Noddack, Ida Noddack, and Otto Berg.
The name 'rhenium' is derived from the Latin word 'Rhenus,' which means 'Rhine,' in reference to the Rhine River in Germany. It was discovered in 1925 by the German chemist Walter Noddack, along with his colleagues Ida Noddack and Otto Berg. They discovered rhenium by treating platinum ores and identifying its properties through spectrometry. Rhenium became the second element to be discovered through the use of radioactive decay. Due to its rarity, it was initially expensive and not widely used. Over time, however, its unique properties made it valuable in various high-performance applications, including aerospace and electronics. Rhenium's role in superalloys enhances their strength and resistance to heat, making it a critical material in modern technology.