Strontium

Introduction

“Strontium” is a chemical element that is symbolised by “Sr” and it has an “atomic number 38”. An “alkali earth metal” has a unique “silver white-yellowish” appearance. It is quite strongly chemically reactive. It is naturally non-radioactive and it creates a “dark oxide layer” upon exposure to the air. Physically and chemically, this element is quite similar to “calcium and barium”

What is “Strontium”?

“Strontium” mostly exists naturally in “rocks coal and oil” as a “non-radioactive element”. 99% of “strontium” is found in the bones of human body. It exists in the form of four stable isotopes in nature. “Strontium” is helpful in the preparation of various products like “fluorescent lights, medicines, glasses, ceramics etc”. This substance has an “atomic mass of 38”. It can readily react with various components.

In terms of physical and chemical traits, it is quite similar to its neighbouring elements, which are “calcium and barium”. This element was first discovered in the year “1790 by William Cruickshank and Adair Crawford”. In the periodic table, it belongs to the “group 2 elements along with “Be, Mg, Ca, and Ba”

“Strontium”: physical properties

Some of the physical properties of “strontium” are mentioned below −

• The “atomic number” of this element is 38 and its “atomic mass of 88”. There are four primary isotopes of “Strontium, $\mathrm{(^{84}Sr\:,\:^{86}Sr\:,\:^{87}Sr\:,\:^{88}Sr)}$”. $“\mathrm{^{88}Sr}”$ is found widely in the nature.

• Chemically, this element is quite similar to heavier “alkali earth metals” like “Barium and calcium”. It is known to be a “lithophilic metallic element”.

• The size of “$\mathrm{Sr^{2+}}$+ is 118pm” and it is an intermediate between “$\mathrm{Ca^{2+}\:and\:K^{+}}$ ", it is because of this trait the "strontium" is used in tracing various rocky minerals that includes "gypsum, plagioclase and calcite". "Stream water" is a major source of all the naturally occurring "strontium".

• The strontium minerals however are comparatively rare. It includes the likes of "celestite $\mathrm{(SrSO_{4})}$ and strontianite $\mathrm{(SrCO_{3})}$”. They are mainly found in association with “hydrothermal deposits” or the “pegmatites”.

• "Strontium" is quite closely related to "calcium" and it helps in the indication of "calcareous rocks".

“Strontium”: chemical properties

Some of the chemical properties of “strontium” are mentioned as follows −

• This element has an “atomic mass” of “87.62 g.mol-1”.

• This element begins to melt at “777°C” and it boils at “1377°C”.

• The density of this element is “2.64 g.cm-3”.

• “Van der Waals” radius is “0.215nm”.

• The “ionic radius” is “0.113nm”.

• The “energy of first ionisation is 549.2kJ.mol-1”

• The “energy of second ionisation is 1064 kJ.mol-1”

Uses of Strontium

Some of the uses of “strontium” are mentioned below:

• "Fireworks" − This element is sussed to create “strontium carbonate” and other salts of strontium”. It is useful in giving red colour to the fireworks. This trait is also useful in differentiating “strontium” from other “chemical components” in the course of “flame test”.

• ⦁ “Biology and medicine” − Strontium" is widely found in various organisms and is found in different quantities. "Strontium" is similar to "calcium" and it is found in human bones. “Strontium ranelate" is a pharmacologic agent and helps treat osteoporosis in different people. This method is widely used in "Europe and Australia".

Usage of “strontium chloride” combined with “strontium acetate” in toothpaste helps in mitigating cases of teeth sensitivity. “Strontium chloride” is also helpful in the reduction of pain in cases of patients who are suffering from metastatic bone cancer. It is useful in strengthening “weak and brittle bones”.

• “Geology” − “Strontium” is also helpful to indicate the “calcareous rocks” it is done so because this element bears a strong resemblance with “calcium”. Isotopes of this element are also helpful in the “geochemical fingerprinting process”, prediction of contamination” and other “migration and mobility studies”.

This element is extensively used in the production of "glass, ceramics and fluorescent lights" it is also used in making the "glow-in-the-dark" paints. This element is utilised to create "cathode ray tubes" that are used in colour television. However, the advent of the "CRT screen" has diminished the usage of "strontium" in television sets. It has vehemently affected the production and mining of strontium.

Conclusion

“Strontium” is non-reactive elements found in nature, “radioactive strontium”, however, are produced in laboratories. It is a naturally occurring “alkaline earth metal”. This component bears a strong association with “calcium” hence is used in the identification of rocks and is helpful in the course of various medical treatment procedures. This element is used in various industrial processes. There are several isotopes of this product, which have their own set of applications.

FAQs

1. What are some of the uses of “Strontium”?

It is used in the treatment procedures of various kinds of cancers. It is useful in relieving pain for cancer patients and helps in relieving tooth sensitivity. This element is used in the making of fireworks and it is helpful in various geological studies.

2. Is strontium an exclusively naturally occurring product?

Strontium" is widely found in nature. It is acknowledged the "15th most abundant element" to be found on earth. It is found on soil and groundwater alike and these are not radioactive. However, strontium is also produced in laboratories for various heavy industrial processes that are radioactive.

3. What are the harmful effects of “strontium”?

"Strontium" that occurs in nature is not harmful to humans it is used in various medicinal treatment procedures. However, the "radioactive strontium" is quite harmful to human and causes cancer. Exposure to "radioactive strontium" is found to cause "leukaemia" in people. "Strontium" might also lead to the formation of stones in the "kidney".