Beryllium -- by Tommy S

Why is this element important in everyday life?

Beryllium itself is used in lightweight, durable alloys that are useful for something, but I don't know what for. Beryl, a compound of Beryllium, makes up the gemstones, emerald and aquamarine which makes excellent jewelry for your girlfriend.

Where is this element found in nature?

Beryl, a mineral containing Beryllium, is found in crystal form underground. The glassy green mineral is usually found in large pieces often several meters long. It is commonly found in granite along with tourmaline. Natural Beryllium does not occur in nature, it is very rare and too reactive.

What are the properties of the element?Beryllium's atomic radii is 111 which means that it is a small atom. It's electron affinity is the highest of any atom so it must be forced into atoms with filled outer sublevels.

General Characteristics =

Beryllium is a gray, lightweight metal that has a very high melting point and low density so it is very good for lightweight, durable alloys.

Atomic Symbol = Be

Period Number = 2

Group Number and Family Name =2 Alkaline earth metals

Atomic Number =4

Atomic Mass =9.012

Density =1.85 g/cm³

Melting Point =1278 degrees Celsius

Boiling Point =2970 degrees Celsius

Electron Configuration =1s² 2s²

Shorthand Notation =[He] 2s²

Common Reactions =Beryllium combines with silica molecules to form beryl

Interesting Information =Beryl makes up the gemstones emerald and aquamarine

Who is ?

It's PT WAR III, and I'll bring you the entire story as I follow Beryllium on its quest to become king of the elements. First some background information. The atom of Beryllium is rather small compared to the atoms around it. Beryllium's atomic radius is only 111, while its neighbor to the south, Magnesium has an atomic radius of 160. With Beryllium's small size comes a small population too. In its capitol nucleus Be has only four protons and four neutrons, and has but five electrons living in its orbitals. The war has begun with Fluorine quickly attacking and bonding with other atoms and stealing their electrons before they know it. With the greatest electronegativity Fluorine is very aggressive, but Beryllium isn't doing anything. Let's find out what's going on. Q: Why aren't you bonding with any other atoms? Be:" I don't want to be in this war, I have the highest electron affinity which means that I will have to be forced into the bonding battles, and even if I bond and take and electron away my ion will be unstable and probably lose the electron I just gained anyway."