Barium
Definition and meaning of Barium in chemistry.
![Barium element card: symbol Ba, atomic number 56, atomic mass 137.33, electron configuration [Xe] 6s², oxidation states +2, Alkaline earth metal, group 2, period 6, solid at room temperature.](/assets/images/terms/barium-chemical-element.webp)
Barium is a soft, dense, silvery alkaline earth metal with the atomic number 56. Its chemical symbol is Ba, and it is an extremely reactive chemical element. Because of this high reactivity, you never find it in nature as a free element.
In more detail
Barium sits prominently in group 2 of the modern periodic table of elements. It is a heavy, reactive metal that rapidly oxidizes upon direct exposure to air. This rapid oxidation forms a dark gray, passivating surface layer of barium oxide (BaO).
Barium reacts violently with pure water and various alcohols to release combustible hydrogen gas (H2). Chemists must strictly store it under mineral oil or inside a completely inert atmosphere. This careful storage prevents unwanted chemical degradation and extremely dangerous accidental laboratory fires.
Barium primarily occurs in nature in the highly insoluble minerals barite and witherite. Barite is barium sulfate (BaSO4), while witherite is naturally occurring barium carbonate (BaCO3). The pure metal possesses a strong chemical affinity for atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen.
Because of this, manufacturers frequently use metallic barium as a getter material in vacuum tubes. A getter material effectively captures and removes unwanted trace gases from a sealed vacuum system. All water-soluble chemical compounds of barium are highly toxic to humans and most animals.
The toxic Ba2+ ion acts as a dangerous competitive antagonist in the nervous system. An antagonist is a substance that actively blocks normal biological responses in living cells. It fatally blocks essential potassium ion channels, disrupting normal electrical signals in the body. This severe disruption can quickly lead to dangerous muscle weakness or total cardiac arrest.
Key facts
| Field | General Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Ba |
| Atomic number | 56 |
| Atomic mass | 137.33 u |
| Category | Alkaline-Earth-Metal |
| Melting point | 727 °C |
| Boiling point | 1897 °C |
Doctors use a thick suspension of barium sulfate globally as a safe radiocontrast agent. Patients swallow this thick liquid to help doctors accurately diagnose internal structural abnormalities. This heavy metal compound powerfully blocks X-rays, providing incredibly clear images of the digestive tract.
Frequently asked questions
If barium ions are highly toxic, why is it safe for patients to swallow barium for medical X-rays?
The specific compound used is barium sulfate. It is exceptionally insoluble in pure water and harsh stomach acid. It passes safely through the digestive tract without any toxic Ba2+ ions entering the bloodstream.
What specific color does barium impart to a flame during a flame test?
Barium and its various chemical salts impart a characteristic bright apple-green color to flames. This unique trait makes them essential active components in the manufacturing of commercial green fireworks.
Related terms
Sources & references
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