Questions tagged [metal]
For questions about metals in general and their physical or chemical properties. For characteristic properties and reactions of d and f block metals specifically, use the [transition-metals] and [rare-earth-elements] tags respectively instead.
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Fajans' rules for Transition Metals and Lanthanides
I'm trying to understand the connection between periodic properties and ionic/covalent character of bonds.
Following Fajans' rules, for polarizing power of a cation I mean the tendency of this cation ...
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Can hydrogen embrittlement be greatly accelerated by electrolysis?
Hydrogen embrittlement is caused when hydrogen ions infiltrate into the grain boundaries of metals, where they are reduced to hydrogen atoms and molecules. These hydrogen molecules eventually form ...
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Is it a coincidence that many toxic heavy metals can form monovalent or divalent ions in water?
For example, barium, lead, cadmium, and mercury can form soluble divalent ions, while silver and thallium can form monovalent ions. Less toxic heavy metals like tin, tungsten, platinum and gold don’t ...
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Are there any advantages to sodium citrate over citric acid for rust removal?
I'm researching various methods for rust removal. From my experience, an aqueous solution of citric acid effectively removes surface rust without visibly corroding the underlying metal.
Recently, I ...
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Is the rapid oxidation change from reddish-brown to black in copper dust after sanding a copper plate due to the dust's small particle size/exposure?
When sanding a copper plate towards polishing it for preparation of a fine art etching, I understand and have experienced that the abrasive paper turns black with copper particles. I assume oxidation ...
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Can a proof coin's original frosted devices and contrast be chemically restored?
As a longtime coin collector, I’m familiar with various chemicals used to clean (dip) coins or enhance their color. However, I’m wondering if it’s possible to restore a proof coin to its original ...
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Is it necessary for Bose-Einstein condensate to have extremely low density?
Most substances undergo an increase in density when cooled (water is an exception). So, when these substances are cooled to the super low temperatures of Bose-Einstein condensate, how is it that the ...
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Berylium and NaOH
Since beryllium doesn't react with water (Greenwood & Earnshaw, Chemistry of the Elements, 2nd Ed., p. 112), I don't know if the following reaction shown in a textbook is valid:
Be(𝑠) + 2NaOH(𝑎𝑞...
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Will using Electroless Nickel plated brass fittings prevent galvanic corrosion in contact with Aluminium parts?
I have an aluminium part with fittings on which will all be immersed in water for extended periods and I want to protect against or prevent any galvanic corrosion occurring. I have the choice of ...
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Copper Tarnishing
I am a metalpoint artist (a Renaissance technique in which one draws with a metal nib, most often silver), not by any stretch a chemist. Copper is among the many metals (any metal MHS 3 or less) that ...
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What is the MO explanation of dimerization of gallium?
Gallium has a massive difference between its boiling point ($\pu{2400 ^\circ C}$) and melting point ($\pu{30 ^\circ C}$). Neighboring atoms in period 4 and group 13 exhibit "normal" melting ...
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Can stainless steel become black due to oxidation?
Last week, I prepared samples (proteins) for mass spectrometry. As one of the last steps, my sample is put on a column and is eluted with the help off a vacuum manifold. After this, it is dried on a ...
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Standard reaction potentials of metal hydroxides
I have been working with metal plates for water electrolysis in alkaline ($\ce{KOH}$) environment. I figured copper was unusable because it reacts to form black oxides on its surface (assumed to be $\...
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Converting copper (II) oxide to copper with ethanol?
Anyone know if it possible to covert $\ce{CuO}$ to $\ce{Cu}$ using ethanol? I was thinking that the stoichiometry would be something like this:
$$\ce{6CuO (s) + CH3CH2OH ⟶ 6Cu (s) + 2CO2 + 3H2O}$$
but ...
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Purchased Osmium sample - Legitimate or fake?
I recently bought a troy ounce of Osmium beads from China. When I opened the package, I was surprised to not see shiny bluish metal, but instead beads resembling dull grey lead and some dark grey ...
