Name: Barium

Atomic Symbol and Mass Number: Ba [56]

Electron Configuration: [Xe] 6s

Atomic Radii: 222 pm

Electron Affinity: 13.95 kJ mol‑1

Oxidation States: +2, +1

Electronegativity Value: 0.89

Elemental Group: Alkaline Earth Metal

Uses and Properties:

• Barium is a soft, silvery metal that rapidly tarnishes in air and reacts with water.

• Barium is not an extensively used element.

• Most is used in drilling fluids for oil and gas wells.

• It is also used in paint and in glassmaking.

• Pure barium is a pale yellow, somewhat shiny, somewhat malleable metal.

• Malleable means capable of being hammered into thin sheets.

• It has a melting point of about 700°C (1,300°F) and a boiling point of about 1,500°C (2,700°F). Its density is 3.6 grams per cubic centimeter.

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Lewis Diagram: