Applications of thorium
Some thorium uses:
- fertile material (as ThO2) in nuclear power reactors; is a precursor of the fissile isotope 233U.
- thorium dioxide can be used as refractory material for crucibles, tubes, rods, etc.
- thorium tetrafluoride (ThF4) is used as anti-reflection coating in optics.
- gas mantles (as ThO2)
- alloying metal for some aviation components (magnesium-thorium alloy); also for welding alloys wolfram-thorium
- additive (as ThO2) in wolfram filaments - to stop crystalline growth of W and to increase time of use of light bulbs
- catalyst in organic chemistry (as ThO2)
- additive for special glass (as ThO2)
- additive in filaments (as ThO2) of magnetron tubes
- reagent in chemistry laboratories (as thorium nitrate)
- etc.
Thorium itself is odorless in its natural state. However, thorium compounds may have a slight metallic or musty odor. It is always important to handle thorium with proper precautions due to its radioactive properties.
Some thorium ores are monazite, thorianite, thorite.
Thorium is generally known by its chemical name "Thorium." However, it may also be referred to as "Th" on the periodic table.
Thorium is a solid metal.
Thorium is a tetravalent element (4+).
Common compounds of thorium: thorium dioxide, thorium trifluoride, thorium tetrafluoride, thorium tetrachloride, thorium triiodide, thorium diiodide, thorium tetraiodide, thorium nitrate, thorium oxalate, thorium carbide, thorium sulfides, thorium nitride, thorium oxinate, etc.
Yes, thorium is used in gas mantles; the intensity of the light is increased.
Thorium and fluorine Thorium trifluoride - ThF3 Thorium tetrafluoride - ThF4
Hazards and Health Considerations: Thorium presents both a toxic and radiological hazard. Toxicologically, it causes heavy metal poisoning similar to lead or the uranium isotopes. Biologically, thorium accumulates in the skeletal system where it has a biological half-life of 200 years, the same as plutonium. An M 17 protective mask and standard anti-contamination clothing will adequately protect against thorium.
Thorium is a natural, radioactive, chemical element; chemically, thorium is homogeneous.
Thorium is not a fissile material; and also is dangerous and expensive to have a nuclear reactor in each home.
Thorium is not commonly used as a primary source of energy because the technology for thorium-based nuclear reactors is not as developed or widely available as traditional uranium-based reactors. Additionally, there are regulatory and economic challenges that have hindered the widespread adoption of thorium as a primary energy source.
Also thorium.
The chemical symbol of thorium is Th.
232Th has 142 neutrons and 90 protons and electrons.
Thorium as a metal is obtained by a calciothermic process from thorium dioxide. Other methods are: electrolysis of thorium tetrafluoride and thermal decomposition of thorium tetraiodide (Van Arkel-de Boer process).
Of course, thorium is a controlled material and working with thorium is not a joke for home.