Why is this element important in everyday life?
Strontium is used in:
· Teeth and bones · The red color in fireworks and pyrotechnics · Sugar refining · Gem stones · Flares · Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power
Where is this element found in nature?
Strontium is not found in nature. It is contained in celestite and strontinite. The strontium is isolated by electrolysis of fused chloride.
What are the properties of the element?
General Characteristics =
Strontium is one of the Alkaline Earth Metals. It is a silver white metal that resembles calcium. When it is exposed to air it turns yellow and spontaneously ignites. It is kept under kerosene to keep this from happening. It also resembles a metallic looking calcium.
Atomic Symbol =Sr
Period Number = 5
Group Number and Family Name =Group 2/The Alkaline Earth Metals
Atomic Number = 38
Atomic Mass =87.62
Density =2.63 g/mL
Melting Point =768 degrees C
Boiling Point =1380 degrees C
Electron Configuration =1S22S22P63S23P64S23d104P65S2
Shorthand Notation =Sr-[Kr]5S2
Common Reactions =Strontium combines with hydrogen and oxygen to form strontium hydroxide which is a very strong base.
Interesting Information =
· Discovered in 1790 by Crawford · Named after Strontian, Scotland · One of the heavier Alkaline Earth Metals · Strontium-90 a radioactive isotope of strontium can cause leukemia, anemia, bone cancer, and other related disorders · Strontium has 16 isotopic forms · Costs more than the similar barium or calcium · Costs about 6-8 dollars per pound · Contained in small amounts in bones · Resembles a metallic calcium
Who is ?
After a long interrogation the detective got right down to business. " What happened on the night of June 23."
"Alright, alright." Strontium said finally getting irritated with all the questions. " Here's everything that happened. It was about 9 pm and I was left alone to lock up. The manager of the P.T. Milk Company was finally starting to trust me, so everything was playing right into my hands. Calcium, the manager has left at about 8:15 pm, and I thought it was safe to proceed with my plan. I went out to my car and grabbed the secret ingredient, strontium-90. I figured no one would notice since I'm so similar to calcium. If the strontium-90 got into the milk that would be the downfall of the P.T. Milk Company. I got so jealous of calcium. He always gets all the attention. I was determined to ruin his reputation of being this wonderful person. And I thought I had the perfect plan. I had made my way back into the factory with enough radioactive strontium-90 to taint the entire factory's milk supply. Everything was ready but I decided I'd have a nice cold glass of milk before I carried out my plan. As I was finishing the last few drops I heard the door of the factory open. Someone was here and I had to hurry and dump the strontium-90 before they knew what was going on. I started to run to the main vat of milk but someone tackled me about half way there, but I couldn't see his face. There was a struggle and the container of strontium-90 was ripped from my hands. When I finally regained my composure I looked up to see who had foiled my plan. It was my twin brother Calcium. I was so furious that I lunged after him but before I could move I was caught in the police's hand cuffs and was arrested. I can't wait until I can get out of here and seek my revenge. This time I won't fail."
"I think we've heard enough." Said the detective just as two more police entered the room. "Take him away!"
Strontium was later convicted on all charges, and is now still in jail.
