72
Hafnium
Atomic Number72
Atomic Mass178.5 u
CategoryTransition Metal
State at Room TempSolid
Year Discovered1923
About Hafnium
Named after Hafnia, the Latin name of Copenhagen, and found exactly where Bohrs new atomic theory predicted, a triumph for quantum mechanics. Hafnium gobbles neutrons, making it ideal for control rods in nuclear submarines. Hafnium oxide insulates the transistors in modern computer chips, a key trick that kept Moores law running. Almost always found with zirconium.
More Transition Metals
21
Scandium
Named after Scandinavia where it was discovered. Used in aerospace alloys with a...
22
Titanium
As strong as steel but 45% lighter. Highly resistant to corrosion, even against ...
23
Vanadium
Used to make steel alloys stronger and lighter. Vanadium redox flow batteries st...
24
Chromium
Gives stainless steel its corrosion resistance and rubies their red color. Chrom...