NIOBIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Niobium is a chemical element denoted by the symbol 'Nb' and has an atomic number of 41. It is a shiny, gray, lustrous, and ductile transition metal that belongs to Group 5 of the periodic table. In terms of density and chemical properties, niobium closely resembles tantalum.
It was named after Niobe, the daughter of Tantalus in Greek mythology, due to its close association with tantalum. Niobium is present in various minerals and ores, most notably in columbite and pyrochlore. It is primarily produced as a byproduct of tantalum refinement processes.
Niobium possesses several exceptional characteristics that make it valuable in various fields. It has a high melting point, excellent corrosion resistance, and exceptional superconducting properties at low temperatures, making it suitable for various technological applications. It is widely used as an alloying element in steel production, enhancing its strength, stability, and resistance to corrosion. Additionally, its superconducting properties find applications in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, particle accelerators, and other high-tech devices.
Due to its high strength and resistance to extreme temperatures, niobium also finds application in the aerospace and nuclear industries. It is used in the production of jet and rocket engines, gas pipelines, and nuclear reactors. Furthermore, its ability to form alloys with other metals makes it valuable in the production of jewelry, dental instruments, and other decorative components.
Overall, niobium is an essential element in various industries owing to its unique physical and chemical properties, making it a versatile and sought-after material in modern science and engineering.
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A rare metallic element, symbol Nb. atomic weight 94, usually found at the same time with tantalum; it was formerly called columbium and the symbol, Cb, of the latter is sometimes referred to niobium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NIOBIUM
Etymology of NIOBIUM
The word "niobium" derives from the Greek mythological figure Niobe, who was the daughter of Tantalus in Greek mythology. Niobe was known for her extreme grief and sadness, as her children were slain by the gods. Similarly, niobium was named after Niobe due to its close resemblance to tantalum, another chemical element. Tantalum had been named after Niobe's father, Tantalus. However, when niobium was discovered, it was initially mistaken for a form of tantalum and later identified as a distinct element. Consequently, it was named "niobium" to maintain the connection with tantalum.
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