why is uranium dangerous?
why is platinum used for jewellery?
why is mercury used in thermometers?
2007-10-01 07:05:08 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Uranium (U) is dangerous for two reasons. One it is radioactive and spontaneously diisntegrates emitting radioactive particles. Secondly it is a heavy metal and if ingested by living organisms, they will be ill with heavy metal poisoning.
Platinum (Pt) is used in jewellery for two reasons. One, it is an inert metal were atmospheric oxygen is concerned, and so does not tarnish easily. Two it is a comparatively rare metal making it expansive.
Mercury(Hg) is used in thermometers because is it a liquid at room temperatures. So it expansion or contraction, in a narrow capillary tube, as temperatures raise or lower is easily seen. Caution, it is a heavy metal, and living organisms can be ill with heavy metal poisoning.
2007-10-01 07:20:30 · answer #1 · answered by lenpol7 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm going to give you platinum. Platinum is used for jewelry because it is
1)rare and expensive(so it is a status symbol).
2)not easily oxidized, so it won't tarnish.
#2 is probably what your instructor is looking for.
You can find out why uranium is dangerous by doing a web search on it. Try it.
"why is mercury used in thermometers".
What is unique about mercury compared to all other metals?
2007-10-01 07:22:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋