CALCIUM HEXABORIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Calcium hexaboride, also known as calcium boride (CaB6), is an inorganic compound consisting of calcium and boron. It is categorized as a binary compound due to its composition containing only two elements.
Calcium hexaboride is a crystalline substance that appears as dark grey to black crystals or powder. It has a tetragonal crystal structure, with each calcium ion surrounded by six boron atoms, forming a three-dimensional framework. This compound possesses unique physical and chemical properties that make it useful in various applications.
One noteworthy characteristic of calcium hexaboride is its exceptional high-temperature stability, retaining its integrity even at extreme temperatures. It has a melting point of approximately 2,200 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for applications in high-temperature environments. Additionally, calcium hexaboride exhibits excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and superior resistance to corrosion and oxidation.
Due to its impressive electrical properties, calcium hexaboride finds various uses, such as a material for electrical contacts, components in electronic devices, and as a dopant in semiconductors. It is also employed in the field of thermionic emission, where its low work function allows efficient electron emission at high temperatures.
In summary, calcium hexaboride is an inorganic compound comprised of calcium and boron, providing exceptional high-temperature stability, electrical conductivity, and resistance to corrosion. Its unique characteristics make it a valuable material for applications requiring high-performance conductive and thermally stable properties.
Etymology of CALCIUM HEXABORIDE
The word "calcium hexaboride" is a compound name composed of two parts: "calcium" and "hexaboride".
The term "calcium" comes from the Latin word "calcis", meaning "lime", which refers to the mineral calcium carbonate found in limestone and other rocks. "Calcium" also reflects its chemical symbol "Ca" derived from the Latin name.
The term "hexaboride" is a combination of the prefix "hexa-" derived from the Greek word "hex", meaning "six", and the root "boride" referring to a compound containing boron. In this case, "hexaboride" (B₆) denotes a boride compound with six boron atoms.
Therefore, "calcium hexaboride" refers to a compound composed of calcium (Ca) and hexaboride (B₆).
