Education Journalist | Study Abroad Lead
Indium is a metal that is available in liquid form at different temperatures. It is similar to gallium and can stick to the surface of the glass. It is not abundantly found in nature. But found more in cultivated regions than in uncultivated regions. It is found as a trace element in other minerals like zinc and lead and these metals, Indium is found as a by-product. As per the reports released by the Royal Society of Chemistry, Indium is found more abundantly than silver or mercury.
| Table of Content |
Keyterms: Indium, Metal, Liquid, Gallium, Zinc, Silver, Mercury, Lead, Thallium elements, Iron, Copper, Ores
Discovery of Indium
- In 1863, German Chemist Hieronymus Theodor Richter and Ferdinand Reich discovered Indium.
- They found the existence and availability of Indium in the traces of thallium elements found in the same different deposits of zinc and their ores.
- Indium has a similar natural abundance as silver and it is more convenient and easier to get this type along with iron, zinc, copper, and lead ores.
Also Read:
| Related Articles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cisplatin | Diatomic | Gay-Lussac’s Law |
| Dalton’s atomic theory | Born-Haber Cycle | Oxidizing Agent |
| Reducing Agent (Reductant) | Hydrides | Ionic Bond (Electrovalent Bond) |
Properties of Indium
Some of the basic details of Indium are tabulated below:
| Name of the Element | Indium |
| Symbol of the Element | In |
| Atomic Number | 49 |
| Electronic Configuration | 4d105s26p1 |
| Period | 5 |
| Group | 13 |
| Block | P |
| Density | 7.31 gcm-3 |
| Melting Point | 156.6° C |
| Boiling Point | 2027°C |
| Common Isotope | In-115 |
Physical Properties of Indium
- Indium is a lustrous silvery metal.
- It is ductile and malleable in nature.
- It is so soft that it can be scratched with fingernails and can be bent almost into any shape.
- As compared to silver, Indium has a short shelf life and do not get tarnished very quickly,
Chemical Properties of Indium
- Indium is stable when reacted with air and water.
- Can dissolve in acids.
- If it is heated above its melting point then it converts into a violet color flame.
Applications of Indium
- Indium is used as casting for the bearings in high-speed motor vehicles as it helps in the even distribution of the running lubricating oils.
- Used in the manufacturing of transistors as it is an ideal metal for doping germanium.
- Used for making more reflective mirrors as compared to a silver mirror.
- Also used in Plating applications.
- Used for the manufacturing of diodes in semiconductor firms.
In recent times, Indium has grown up as an essential element because of its being widely used in different manufacturing processes. One form of Indium, that is ITO or Indium Tin Oxide is served as one of the best materials for manufacturing LCDs or liquid crystal displays, solar panels, flat screens, and touch screens. Some of the crucial properties like adhering strongly to glass, mechanical and chemical resistance against corrosion, and transparency make it a worthy element.
Things to Remember
- Indium is a soft metal.
- It is malleable and ductile.
- It is an ideal metal for doping Germanium.
- Chemist Hieronymus Theodor Richter and Ferdinand Reich discovered Indium.
Also Read:
Sample Questions
Ques: What are the Effects on Health of using Indium? (1 Mark)
Ans: Indium and its components are highly toxic to the human body. It can affect the liver, heart, and kidney.
Ques: Is there any hazardous effect of using Indium for marine or terrestrial life forms? (1 Mark)
Ans: No, there is no hazardous effect on marine or terrestrial life forms as Indium is not found abundantly in our environment. It is mostly used in combined form for manufacturing purposes.
Ques: With which element does Indium show similarity? (1 Mark)
Ans: Indium shows similarity with Gallium as both of them are in the same group of metals in the periodic metal of elements.
Ques: At what temperature, Indium is at a Solid state? (1 Mark)
Ans: Indium is at a Solid-state at 20° C temperature.
Ques: What is the structure of Indium? (1 Mark)
Ans: Indium has a Tetragonal Structure centered in the face.
Ques: Indium is doped with which semiconductor for making transistors? (1 Mark)
Ans: Indium is doped with Germanium semiconductors for making Transistors.
Ques: What is the atomic weight of the Indium Element? (1 Mark)
Ans: The atomic weight of the Indium element is 114.82.
Ques: What type of semiconductor is formed when a small quantity of Indium is added with Germanium metal? (1 Mark)
Ans: When a small quantity of Indium is added with Germanium metal, then a p-type semiconductor is formed. P-type semiconductors have trivalent impurities are added which act as a charge carrier to the conductor.
For Latest Updates on Upcoming Board Exams, Click Here: https://t.me/class_10_12_board_updates
Check-Out:
Comments