Zirconium Facts & Worksheets

Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40, commonly used in nuclear reactors due to its low neutron absorption.

See the fact file below for more information about Zirconium, or you can download our 25-page Zirconium worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

ELEMENT PROPERTIES

• Zirconium has the symbol Zr.
• Zirconium’s atomic number is 40.
• Zirconium belongs to group 4, period 5, d-block in the
  periodic table of elements.
• The atomic weight of Zirconium is 91.224.
• Zirconium has an electron configuration of [Kr] 4d² 5s².

CHARACTERISTICS

• Zirconium is a lustrous, grey-white, strong, and ductile metal that is highly resistant to corrosion by alkalis, acids, salt water, and other agents.
• Zirconium, in its powdered form, is highly flammable. 
• Zirconium, with the presence of fluorine, is dissolvable in hydrochloric and sulfuric acid.
• According to the Pauling scale, zirconium has an electronegativity of 1.33.
• Among the d-block elements in the periodic table, zirconium has the 5th lowest electronegativity next to hafnium, yttrium, lanthanum, and actinium.

BRIEF HISTORY

• The element zirconium was first identified in 1789 in zircon (ZrSiO₄) oxide by Martin Heinrich Klaproth, a German chemist.
• The metal was then isolated in 1824 in its impure form by Jöns Jacob Berzelius, a Swedish chemist.
• The highly pure version of the metal was first produced in 1925 by Anton Eduard van Arkel and Jan Hendrik de Boer, Dutch chemists.

PRODUCTION

• Zirconium is relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust, not, however, in concentrated formations.
• The only commercial source of acquiring zirconium is through the deposits commonly found in coastal beds or ocean beaches. 
• Minerals containing zirconium also contain hafnium; in general, however, the hafnium content is usually minute and can be ignored. However, hafnium must be separated from zirconium for nuclear-related purposes.
• Zirconium is commonly used in nuclear reactors.
• Zirconium and hafnium have different neutron-absorbing properties, which is why hafnium has to be separated from zirconium.
• One separation method is liquid-liquid extraction, also known as solvent extraction. This method exploits the difference in solubilities of hafnium and zirconium contents. 
• Another method is by fractional crystallization. In this method, zirconium and hafnium are separated by fractional crystallization of potassium hexafluorozirconate.

COMPOUNDS

• Zirconium, like other transition elements (elements that belong in the d-block of the periodic table), forms a broad range of inorganic compounds (compounds that are not carbon-based) and coordination complexes (compounds that consist of a central atom or ion surrounded by bound of molecules or ions).
• Zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂), also known as zirconia, is considered to be the most common
  oxide of zirconium.
• Zirconium dioxide is a white crystalline zirconium oxide is commonly used
  in the production of ceramics (such as in dentistry) and for protective coating.
• Zirconium carbide (ZrC) is a hard refractory ceramic material commonly used for cutting tools. 
• Common zirconium halides are Zirconium(IV) fluoride (ZrF₄), zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl₄), Zirconium(IV) bromide (ZrBr₄), and Zirconium(IV) iodide (ZrI₄).

USES AND APPLICATIONS

• The vast majority of zircon is employed directly in high-temperature applications.
• Zircon has various applications since it is refractory, strong, and chemically resistant. Its primary application is as an opacifier, imparting a white, opaque appearance to ceramic materials. 
• Zircon is also utilized in aggressive conditions, such as molds for molten metals, due to its chemical resilience.
• Zirconium dioxide is used in laboratory crucibles, metallurgical furnaces, and as a refractory material because it is mechanically robust and flexible.
• Ceramic knives and other blades can be sintered with zirconium dioxide.
• Zircon is also used to date rocks.
• Some abrasives, such as grinding wheels and sandpaper, include zirconium dioxide.
• A small percentage of the zircon is turned into metal, which has a variety of niche applications.
• Due to its high corrosion resistance, zirconium is frequently employed as an alloying agent in materials that are exposed to harsh conditions, such as surgical equipment, light filaments, and watch casings.
• Zirconium alloys are solid solutions of zirconium or other metals, with the trade name Zircaloy referring to a common subgroup. 
• One of the most common applications of zirconium alloys is in nuclear technology, where they are used to clad fuel rods in nuclear reactors, particularly water reactors.
• The use of water to cool reactor zirconium alloys increases the demand for their resistance to oxidation-related nodular corrosion.
• Many biomedical applications use zirconium-bearing materials, such as dental implants and crowns, knee and hip replacements, middle-ear ossicular chain restoration, and other restorative and prosthetic devices.
• In the treatment of hyperkalemia, sodium zirconium cyclosilicate is taken orally. It is a selective sorbent designed to capture potassium ions above other ions in the gastrointestinal system.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Only contact with the eyes necessitates medical attention after short-term exposure to zirconium powder.
• Continuous exposure to zirconium tetrachloride causes higher mortality in rats and guinea pigs, as well as a decrease in blood hemoglobin and red blood cells in dogs.

MARTIN HEINRICH KLAPROTH

• Martin Heinrich Klaproth, born on December 1, 1743, was a German chemist.
• Klaproth studied and worked as a pharmacist for most of his life before attending university. 
• Klaproth’s shop grew to be Berlin’s second-largest apothecary and Europe’s most productive artisanal chemical research facility.
• Klaproth was a pivotal player in studying mineral composition and describing elements.
• Klaproth discovered uranium and zirconium in 1789. He was also involved in the discovery of titanium in 1792, strontium in 1793, chromium in 1797, and cerium in 1803.
• Klaproth was a member and director of the Berlin Academy of Sciences and was also a member of the Royal Society in London, the Institut de France, and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

OTHER ZIRCONIUM FACTS

• Zirconium is a derivative of zircon, the oldest mineral on the planet, dating back more than 4.4 billion years.
• The term “zirconium” is also related to the Persian Arabic word “zargun,” meaning “gold-like.”
• Because of the abundance of zirconium in its atmosphere, a star in the sky sparkles like a diamond.
• Zirconium has also been found on the Sun and in meteorites.
• Zirconium is found in around 250 milligrams in the human body.
• The majority of this is derived from natural foods such as whole wheat, brown rice, beef, eggs, and spinach.
• Zirconium is also found in several consumer goods, such as deodorants.
• Because of its beauty and durability, zirconium is often utilized in jewelry creation.
• It is also an excellent material for persons with skin allergies because it is nearly pure and free of the allergens found in other metals.

Zirconium Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Zirconium across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Zirconium. Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40, commonly used in nuclear reactors due to its low neutron absorption.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Zirconium Facts
2. Military Exposure
3. Matching Quiz
4. Storyboard Creation
5. Zirconium Explorer
6. Myth Debunkers
7. Interview Time
8. Zirconium Wonder Quiz
9. Fact Check Challenge
10. Creative Expression
11. Acrostic Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is zirconium?

Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40. It is a lustrous, grayish-white, strong transition metal that resembles titanium. Zirconium is commonly found in nature as the mineral zircon, and it is used in various industrial applications.

What are the main properties of zirconium?

Zirconium is known for its corrosion resistance, high melting point, and strong mechanical properties. It is highly resistant to corrosion by alkalis, acids, saltwater, and other harsh environments. Zirconium is also known for its low absorption of neutrons, making it useful in nuclear reactor applications.

How is zirconium used in the nuclear industry?

Zirconium is widely used in the nuclear industry, particularly in the form of zirconium alloys such as Zircaloy. These alloys are used as cladding for fuel rods in nuclear reactors. Zirconium’s low neutron absorption and excellent corrosion resistance make it an ideal material for maintaining the integrity of fuel rods and preventing the release of radioactive materials.

What are some other industrial applications of zirconium?

Zirconium and its compounds have various industrial applications. Zirconium oxide, also known as zirconia, is used in ceramics, refractory materials, and as a precursor for the production of other zirconium compounds. Zirconium is also used in the production of alloys for aerospace components, gas turbines, and chemical process equipment.

Are there any health considerations related to zirconium exposure?

In general, zirconium and its compounds are considered to be of low toxicity. Zirconium is not easily absorbed by the human body, and it is generally considered biologically inert. However, like many fine particles, inhaling zirconium dust or fumes during industrial processes may pose respiratory hazards. As with any industrial material, appropriate safety measures should be taken to minimize exposure and ensure worker safety.

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