STRONTIUM CHLORIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Strontium chloride is a chemical compound consisting of the elements strontium and chlorine. It is typically found as a white, crystalline solid with the chemical formula SrCl2. Strontium chloride is highly soluble in water and has a moderate melting point.
In terms of its properties, strontium chloride is known for its ability to emit a bright red color when it is burned. This characteristic is the basis for its use in various applications related to pyrotechnics and fireworks. Additionally, strontium chloride can absorb moisture from the air, making it hygroscopic. This property allows it to be used in desiccant packs, which are used to absorb excess moisture and humidity in various products and environments.
Strontium chloride also finds applications in the field of medicine. Its radioactive isotope, strontium-89, is utilized for therapeutic purposes, particularly in the treatment of bone cancer and metastatic bone pain. Strontium chloride is taken up by cancerous or damaged bone tissue, where its radiation helps to reduce pain and limit the growth of cancer cells.
Overall, strontium chloride is a compound with diverse applications, ranging from pyrotechnics to medicine. Its unique properties make it a valuable component in various industries, contributing to the functionality and safety of many different products and processes.
Etymology of STRONTIUM CHLORIDE
The word "strontium" originates from the village of Strontian in Scotland, where the mineral strontianite was first discovered in the late 18th century. Scottish chemist and mineralogist Thomas Charles Hope initially identified the element and named it strontium in 1790.
The term "chloride" comes from the Latin word "chloris", which means "greenish-yellow". This word later transformed into "chloridum" in Latin, referring to a compound formed with chlorine. It was commonly used to denote a type of salt formed by the combination of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal with chlorine. Thus, "strontium chloride" refers to the compound composed of strontium and chlorine.
