Hafnium (Noun)
Meaning
A grey tetravalent metallic element that resembles zirconium chemically and is found in zirconium minerals; used in filaments for its ready emission of electrons.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Hafnium is a grey tetravalent metallic element that resembles zirconium chemically and is found in zirconium minerals.
- The discovery of hafnium in 1923 by Dirk Coster and George de Hevesy marked a significant milestone in the field of chemistry.
- Due to its high melting point and resistance to corrosion, hafnium is used in the production of gas turbines and heat exchangers.
- Hafnium's ability to readily emit electrons makes it an ideal material for use in filaments for vacuum tubes and plasma cutting equipment.
- The unique properties of hafnium have led to its use in the aerospace industry, particularly in the development of high-temperature alloys.