Boron (B) is a chemical element with the following properties:
Atomic Number: The atomic number of boron is 5, which means it has 5 protons in its nucleus.
Symbol: The symbol for boron is B, derived from its English name.
Mass Number: Boron has multiple isotopes, which are variants of the element with different numbers of neutrons. The most common isotope is boron-10, which has a mass number of 10.81. Another stable isotope is boron-11, with a mass number of 11.81.
Physical Properties: Boron is a metalloid, meaning it has properties of both metals and nonmetals. It is a relatively hard and brittle substance. In its pure form, boron is a dark, amorphous powder. It has a high melting point and is a poor conductor of electricity.
Chemical Properties: Boron is chemically reactive, especially at high temperatures. It forms compounds with various elements, including oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon. Boron compounds, such as borates, are widely used in various industries, including glass manufacturing, detergents, and agriculture.
Applications: Boron has several important applications. Boron compounds are used in the production of borosilicate glass (e.g., Pyrex), which has a low coefficient of thermal expansion. Boron is also used in the production of high-strength and lightweight materials, such as boron fibers and boron nitride nanotubes. Boron-based compounds are utilized in nuclear reactors as neutron absorbers. Boron is also an essential nutrient for plants.
Overall, boron exhibits a unique combination of properties that make it useful in a range of applications, from industrial materials to chemical compounds.