What is Cobalt?
There are about 108 elements that have been discovered all over the world from the earth's crust to date. They all have unique properties and functions essential for ecosystems and humans. Cobalt is the 27th element on the elemental periodic table belonging to groups 9 and 4th period. It is also called a d-block element which shows various valent states. Cobalt is denoted as 'Co' in the periodic table.
Cobalt is a metal that is similar to iron and nickel chemically. It has been used for generations to give pottery and acrylics a deep blue colour. Nowadays, it is mixed with other metals to introduce a variety known as alloys, which are used in industry. A component of vitamin B12 is cobalt.
Position of Cobalt
Cobalt Symbol
Cobalt is an element with the symbol Co and its atomic number is 27 and was discovered in 1735. Cobalt has an atomic mass of 58.933, approximately 60 amu (60 atomic mass units), and the element is metallic. Scientifically, while writing the atomic symbol of cobalt, its atomic mass is written on the top left of the symbol of cobalt. In contrast, the atomic mass is written at the base left side of the atomic symbol. The electronic configuration of the element is(Ar)4s23d7.
As stated earlier, the element belongs to d-block elements. These are also called transitional elements as they show variable valent states. For cobalt, the variable oxidation states are −3, −1, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5.
Symbolic Representation of Cobalt
Characteristics of Cobalt
Cobalt is found in relatively low abundance in the earth's crust and water. The element cobalt is a brittle (easily shatterable) yet hard metal, which resembles iron and nickel in physical appearance, implying that it is silver-white and lustrous. Cobalt usually exists as a mixture of two allotrophic forms over a wide range of temperatures.
Cobalt
Cobalt occurs as ore in mineral states like cobaltite, smaltite, and erythrite and can also be found associated with nickel, silver, lead, copper, and iron ores, from which cobalt is usually obtained as a by-product.
Cobalt in Environment
Cobalt is not easily degradable once it has entered the environment. It may react with other already present particles or may get adsorbed on soil particles, water, and sediments. Cobalt can only be mobilised under acidic conditions, but in the end, most cobalt particles end up in soils as sediments.
Soils that contain very low amounts of cobalt are essential for growing plants that have a deficiency of cobalt. When animals feed on these grounds, they get cobalt intake, which is essential for them. Soils containing about 0.13 to 0.30 ppm of cobalt are found to be proper for animal nutrition.
Uses of Cobalt
Cobalt is widely used for electroplating objects because of its properties like rust-prone, hardness, and resistance to oxidation and also makes the surface of objects attractive by giving them a lustrous shiny finish.
Cobalt Electroplated Objects
It is also used for making alloys. For example, Alnico is an alloy made of aluminium, nickel, and cobalt and is used to make strong permanent magnets. Stellite is another alloy that contains cobalt, chromium, and tungsten and is used to make high-speed and high-temperature cutting tools and dyes. Cobalt is also widely used to make alloys that are used in jet engines and gas turbines, magnetic steel, and some other types of stainless steel.
Cobalt salts have been used for centuries to produce beautiful, bright, and permanent blue colours for porcelain, glass, pottery, tiles, and enamels. It is the main component in Sevre's and Thenard's blue.
Pottery made out of Cobalt Blue Colour
Conclusion
Cobalt is a useful and unique element required for various purposes in the world and is still under research for more knowledge. Its unique properties make it of more use. It is tough and simple to turn into a magnet. Most alloy steels are made with cobalt.
The cobalt adds to the alloy's strength and prevents corrosion. Tools for cutting metal at high speeds and temperatures are one application for these alloys. Additionally, magnetic materials are made with cobalt. Enamel paints and acrylics still employ cobalt in combination with other ingredients to create the color blue.
FAQs on How Many Electrons does Cobalt have?
1. What is cobalt poisoning?
When there are excessive amounts of cobalt particles in the body, it is referred to as cobalt poisoning. Cobalt is a vital part of vitamin B-12 and is required for normal cell activity. However, too much cobalt might have negative effects on us. It can result in thyroid disease, heart muscle disease, deafness, nerve problems, blood coagulation, and eyesight difficulties. Therefore, the intake of any element in the human or even plant body should be up to a certain level. Too much of it can cause toxicity whereas too little can cause deficiency diseases.
2. How is cobalt scientifically valuable?
Cobalt has magnetic properties and is used to make strong permanent magnets that are very useful for making compasses and are also used in scientific experiments. Cobalt, along with other elements in different proportions, is used to make alloys that are hard and resistant to oxidation. Cobalt is widely studied, and researchers have shown that cobalt can be used in cancer treatment. In addition, this element is used in our body to make an essential vitamin B12. All these are the various reasons why cobalt is necessary to science, the environment, and humans too.