Video Transcript
Which of the following period four
metals is the most likely to be found in the electrical wiring in many homes? (A) Cobalt, (B) copper, (C)
manganese, (D) nickel, or (E) scandium.
In this question, we need to
identify the period four element used in electrical wiring.
Let us first discuss scandium. This element is a metal with high
mechanical strength, high ductility, and properties related to corrosion
resistance. Manufacturers use scandium to make
alloys for aerospace industry components and sports equipment, such as bicycle
frames.
The next period four metal we will
discuss is manganese. People use this element for making
alkaline batteries, fertilizers, and antiseptics. Some manganese compounds also make
effective catalysts and speed up chemical reaction processes.
We can now consider the period four
metal cobalt. Several cobalt compounds have vivid
and aesthetically pleasing colors. People have used cobalt compounds
for centuries to give glass and ceramics a rich blue color. People currently use cobalt for
diagnosing cancer and as a catalyst in chemical industrial processes. They also use the metal for food
irradiation purposes.
Nickel is on the right side of
cobalt in period four of the periodic table of elements. Nickel is a component of lots of
rechargeable batteries and a catalyst in some industrial chemical reactions. Lots of countries used to make
coins with nickel, but this is much less common now.
Finally, we can consider the last
listed period four metal. Copper not only has corrosion
resistance properties, but it is also a primary component of the alloy bronze. It has electrical conductivity
properties, and countless manufacturers use the metal for electrical wiring.
Therefore, of the period four
metals listed, the most likely to be found in the electrical wiring in many homes is
(B) copper.
