Video Transcript
Which of the following is one of
the applications of scandium? (A) Manufacturing of artificial
joints, (B) leather tanning, (C) manufacturing of MiG fighter jets, (D) metal
plating, or (E) manufacturing of car springs.
The question talks about the
element scandium or Sc. Scandium is found here on the
periodic table. Specifically, it is the first
element in the period four d block elements, in other words, the first element of
the first transition series. The first transition series metals
shown here are very useful metals. They are economically and socially
important. Now, the question asks about one of
the applications of scandium. When just a little bit of scandium
is added to aluminum, the resulting alloy, which is lightweight because of the
aluminum, becomes harder. The unique combination of being
lightweight and hard is perfect for use in aircraft.
Of the given answer options, the
application of scandium is the manufacturing of MiG fighter jets, or rather, some of
their components. Artificial joints are commonly made
from a variety of materials mixed together: ceramics, plastics, and metal. Titanium is the metal of choice in
artificial joints because it is lightweight and strong and shows no toxic effect
with human tissue.
Unlike some other metals, leather
tanning is achieved through the use of various compounds of chromium. The collagen proteins are
cross-linked by the chromium, and this stabilizes the leather, giving a durability
and a long life span.
Many metals can be used in plating,
but of the period four metals, chromium is the most common in this application. A thin layer of chromium is
electroplated onto other metal parts to create a hard, corrosion-resistant, and very
shiny surface. We call this chrome. You may have seen some
chrome-plated metal components on motorcycles.
Car springs are typically made of
steel. Steel is largely composed of iron,
along with some carbon. The combination of iron and carbon
and steel give a very strong alloy. Although very heavy, steel would
not be suitable to make MiG fighter jet components.
Of the answer options, the
application of scandium is manufacturing of MiG fighter jets or their
components.
