Table of Contents
What is Bismuth?
Bismuth – Definition: Bismuth is a chemical element with the symbol Bi and atomic number 83. It is a brittle, silvery-white metal that is weakly radioactive. Bismuth is the most naturally diamagnetic element, and has one of the lowest thermal conductivities of all metals.
Bismuth has been historically used to make cosmetics, dietary supplements, and medicines. It is now also used as a lead-free solder in electronics and to make low-toxicity bullets and shot.
Chemical Properties of Bismuth
- Bismuth has a low melting point of 271 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 1529 degrees Celsius.
- It is a silver-white metal that is malleable and has a low density.
- It is resistant to corrosion and is not affected by air, water or most acids. Bismuth is also non-toxic.
- Bismuth is a gray, brittle metal that is weakly magnetic.
- It is the most diamagnetic of all the elements, meaning that it is repelled by magnets.
- Bismuth is the most corrosion-resistant metal, and it has the lowest melting point of any metal. It is also the most radio-opaque of all the elements.
Physical Properties of Bismuth
- Bismuth is a brittle metal that is silvery in color. It has a relatively low melting point and a high boiling point. It is a poor conductor of heat and electricity.
- Bismuth is non-toxic and is used in various alloys.
- Bismuth is a soft, silvery-white metal. It has a relatively low melting point of 271 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 1564 degrees Celsius. It is a brittle solid at room temperature and has a density of 9.807 grams per cubic centimeter.
- Bismuth is slightly soluble in water, but is not affected by air or most common acids and bases. It is non-toxic and non-magnetic.
Alloys
- Alloys are mixtures of two or more metals.
- The most common alloy is brass, which is a mixture of copper and zinc.
- Alloys have different properties than the metals that make them up. For example, brass is harder and more durable than copper.
