Beryllium copper alloys are useful for electrical contacts because they retain the spring force (contact clamping force) over time and temperature and are good conductors.
The downside of beryllium is that its toxic if ingested or inhaled, machining the alloys is usually limited to operations that don't generate dust. (pressure forming operations as opposed to milling, drilling, etc.)
A longer answer
Beryllium enjoys wide use as an alloying metal. Beryllium-copper is used to make electrical contacts, welding electrodes, non-sparking and non-magnetic tools, and also springs (for examples springs for Swiss watches, from the alloy glycodur). In its pure form, it is used as a nozzle in some rocket engines.
It is also found in nuclear applications in that pure, unalloyed state.
Also beryllium is the brazing metal for components from zirconium alloys (for example in the fabrication of nuclear fuel elements cladding from Zircaloy).
This light, strong metal makes for a great window to shoot X-rays and particles or particle streams through. It will interact with them only minimally because of its low atomic number. It's used in nuclear weapons where suitably shaped pieces hold the fissile material and, under the influence of high explosives, drive that material together to set off the device. They also act as a great neutron reflector in that application, too.
Beryllium is used also to make small neutron sources as: Ra-Be, Pu-Be, Am-Be, Po-Be; mirrors for astronomy and military armored vehicles; components for large particles accelerators, etc.
Beryllium is also used to make critical fasteners in specialized applications in the aeronautics and space industries. The metal is strong and hard, but its brittle nature must be accounted for, as well as its toxicity, which makes it a hazard, particularly when airborne, in a manufacturing facility. A link can be found below, and it will lead the curious investigator to the Wikipedia post on this interesting metal.
Beryllium compounds also have many interesting applications.
The use of beryllium is legal but it is mandatory to respect the working precautions. For some forms of beryllium (pure beryllium, pure beryllium oxide or many components from these materials) the trade is severely internationally controlled.
Yes
Yes. It is the compound of the elements Beryllium and fluorine.
No, beryllium batteries are not rechargeable. They are typically primary batteries, meaning they are designed for one-time use and should not be recharged.
Beryllium is not commonly used in hospitals due to its toxicity. In the past, beryllium was used in X-ray windows and dental appliances, but safer alternatives have been developed. Exposure to beryllium can cause serious health issues, including chronic beryllium disease, making it unsuitable for use in medical settings.
Beryllium has not environmemtal use; it is a toxic metal.
The use of beryllium is legal but it is mandatory to respect the working precautions. For some forms of beryllium (pure beryllium, pure beryllium oxide or many components from these materials) the trade is severely internationally controlled.
Yes
Beryllium. And it's an element, not a chemical.
Yes. It is the compound of the elements Beryllium and fluorine.
Beryllium is less dense and lightweight. it makes for better use as an alloy! =)
No, beryllium batteries are not rechargeable. They are typically primary batteries, meaning they are designed for one-time use and should not be recharged.
Beryllium is not commonly used in hospitals due to its toxicity. In the past, beryllium was used in X-ray windows and dental appliances, but safer alternatives have been developed. Exposure to beryllium can cause serious health issues, including chronic beryllium disease, making it unsuitable for use in medical settings.
Beryllium is used especially for rocket nozzles.
Beryllium has 4 protons and electrons and a variable number of neutrons, depending on the isotope. For other atomic properties see the links bellow.
No. Beryllium is a metallic element. However, there is a such thing of beryllium oxide, which forms when beryllium combines with oxygen.
Be3N2 That is 3 beryllium atoms + 2 Nitrogen atoms