Question Video: Identifying the Period 4 Metal Used in Battery Manufacturing Chemistry

Video Transcript

Which of the following period four metals is used for the purpose of battery manufacturing? (A) Scandium metal, (B) cobalt metal, (C) titanium metal, (D) chromium metal, (E) none of the above metals.

The period four metals are well known for their important uses around the world. Scandium is a rare element but when alloyed with aluminum has a very important use in the aeronautical industry. Scandium alloys are lightweight and have high mechanical strength, making them useful for building aircraft. Titanium–aluminum alloys are used in the aeronautical industry for similar reasons. Titanium alloys are also used in dental implants, automobiles, and prosthetics, because they are light weight, corrosion resistant, and strong.

Chromium compounds are used to produce pigments with green, yellow, red, and orange colors. Chromium salts are also used in the process of tanning leather. One common use of chromium alloys is to produce stainless steel, and chromium metal is often added to other alloys to make them stronger and more corrosion resistant.

Let’s clear some space to discuss cobalt, which is the last period four metal listed in the answer choices.

Cobalt alloys are used to make very strong magnets and are also used in jet turbines. Cobalt compounds are used to make paints, particularly blue paints. Finally, cobalt is an important and costly component of the salts used in lithium ion batteries.

In conclusion, the period four metal that is used for the purpose of battery manufacturing is cobalt metal, or answer choice (B).