Source: Wikipedia
Speaking of heavier material of the world is to talk about its density, a property that makes it very heavy. When we take two materials with different densities we can see which one has the highest density. It is not the same to hold 1 kilo of iridium or 1 kilo of lead by hand. Although they both weigh exactly the same, we can know that they have different densities and their volume is different, one of them will have more volume than the other.
We embrace the question that we have known all our lives, which one weighs more? A kilo of straw or a kilo of iron? We will always focus on the one that represents the greatest volume, but that is not the case. In short, they both weigh the same, although they have a different density. That's what happens with him osmium, being the heaviest material in the world and which we compare with some materials.
What is the heaviest material in the world?
The heaviest material in the world is a metal we know as osmium. To know where its magnitude reaches, we use as an example how much the size of a soccer ball made of osmium would weigh. Said ball would weigh 120 kg, since if we tried to pick it up with our hands it would be almost unlikely.
If we compare it with other materials we can see that it is almost 23 times heavier than water and more than twice as heavy as radon. Its density is 22,6 g/cm³, a figure almost surpassed by iridium, another super-heavy material with a density of 22,4 g/cm³. This metal is used in industry due to its resistance to high temperatures and its ability to resist corrosive agents. This metal, along with others such as graphite and diamond, shows unique properties that make them indispensable in different sectors. In addition, you can read more about the types of materials that are used in different industries.
Heavy materials used in industry
Both osmium and iridium are used for materials that require it, such as surgical equipment and platinum alloys that require great resistance and durability. Other uses can be used in the creation of catalysts to reduce emissions in vehicles, in dentistry, in jewelry and in laboratory equipment.
In addition to iridium, osmium and platinum, we can also find tungsten. Another exceptional metal for the manufacture of durable elements such as high-precision cutting tools or the production of light bulb filaments. In this sense, technology and materials used are crucial for the development of precision tools.
others like the mercury, are used for measuring tools and the manufacturing of electronic products. Cadmium is used for the photovoltaic industry, in the manufacture of solar panels and the use of rechargeable batteries.
Be careful with these heavy metals, because they are toxic
There are many heavy metals and practically this type of metals with toxics. Among them, we know copper, aluminum, strontium, cobalt, arsenic, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, uranium, zinc, mercury, manganese, selenium, and others. These metals have a natural origin on earth, with a relative atomic density.
Heavy metals can cause an environmental and human health impactIf they accumulate in soil, water, and with living organisms such as animals or plants, they can cause significant pollution in the ecosystem and eliminate some element from the food chain. To learn more about pollution, I recommend exploring the topic of acid rain and its impact In nature.
To avoid pollution to the environment, we must manage your waste well and with collection points for final treatment. The idea is not to contaminate humans or living beings and try to minimize negative impacts on health.
This contamination can cause damage to the nervous system, development of cancers and respiratory diseases, especially in humans. To prevent this from happening, we must take measures into account during regular checkups and medical examinations, as well as being aware of their use. Work environments are the most harmful and where safety controls are essential.
Comparative table of osmium with other materials:
We can find other types of metals, as an example:
- Uranium, with a relative atomic mass of 238.0289 and atomic number 92.
- Radio, with a relative atomic mass of 226.0254 with an atomic number 118.
- Lithium, with a relative atomic mass of 6.941 and an atomic number of 3.
- Radon, with a relative atomic mass of 222.0 and an atomic number of 86.
More curiosities about osmium
Surely you are curious where this metal is obtained. Is extracted from the earth's crust of our planet, along with other platinum group metals. Generally it usually goes attached to iridium or metals such as nickel or iron. Within the studies, it has been determined that it is more present near the core of the planet, given its great density and weight that causes it to sink. Generally it is an element that is more found in space than in the Earth's crust.
It is a metal with a blue-gray tint, with the highest density, but almost no margin between the iridium. It is a hard but brittle metal, with a great shine even at high temperatures. Its compressibility mode is extremely high, whose values range between 395 and 462 GPa, we can compare it with diamond whose values are 443 GPa. It is very difficult to machine into shape.
When presented in its metallic form, it is grayish white color, with a very firm composition and a shiny appearance. Its powder form is very easy to obtain, although exposed to air it tends to form osmium tetraoxide, a toxic and dangerous compound, which can affect the odor and its exposure to the eyes.
The history of osmium has a long history. It was discovered in 1803 by Smithson Tennant and William Hyde Wollaston in London and had to go through many checks until it was determined that it was a new element. Several solutions were made from the platinum until it was determined that the residue that remained was dark and insoluble.
Even with this residue, the determinations were not clear, until Tennat was able and with great advantage, create a solution that he called osmium, reference to the Greek word “osme” which means odor, due to the ash and smoky odor of osmium tetroxide. Already on June 21, 1804, this new element could be added in a letter to the Royal Society of London, for the advancement of Natural Science.
