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).