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Niobium Nb

 

Where is niobium used--or where does it impact our everyday lives?

 

Niobium   symbol: Nb
Atomic number:  41     Atomic Mass:  92.91

Transition metal    Period 5

Melting point   2477 oC   (4490.6 oF)
Boiling point  4744 oC   (8571.2 oF)
No reaction with air (oxygen)

No reaction with water
Electron configuration   [Kr]  5s1 4d4

Source: LANL.gov
Researcher: Nico Z

 

Niobium is used for the surface of self-cleaning ovens.  The material has to withstand high temperatures of 500 degrees C and contains a mixture of metals including niobium acting as a catalyst for the oxidation of food deposits when heated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samarskite (YCeFeU)3(NbTiTa)5O16 Webb mine, Yancy County, North Carolina, USA viewed during a Chemistry One field trip to the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, USA

WIS Photographer

Aeschynite YCaFeTh(TiNb)2(O,OH)6 from Iveland, Setesdal, Norway 

viewed during a Chemistry One field trip to the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, USA

WIS Photographer

Stainless steel car exhaust systems contain niobium

Niobium is used in high-temperaure alloys in the combustion chambers of jet engines.  The superalloys contain niobiun, tantalum, tungsten or molybdenum.

The Pratt and Whitney jet engine in the image is one from the F-35 on display at the National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, Virginia, USA

WIS Photographer

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