Entity: INDIUM
Indium is a shiny silvery-white, highly ductile post-transition metal with a bright luster. It is soft and malleable, commonly used in plating materials, alloys, and electronics.
Indium
Etymology
The word 'indium' is derived from the Latin word 'indicum', meaning violet, due to the brilliant violet line observed in its atomic spectrum.
Definition
Indium is a silvery malleable fusible metallic element that occurs in sphalerite ores and is used in plating materials, alloys, and electronics.
Historical Context
Indium is a rare post-transition metal with atomic number 49. It was first discovered in 1863 by Ferdinand Reich and Hieronymous Richter through spectroscopic analysis.
Cultural Significance
Indium's name is linked to the Latin word for indigo, 'indicum', reflecting its violet spectral line. It is commonly used in various industries, including electronics and manufacturing.
Related Concepts
Indium is often associated with other post-transition metals like tin and thallium due to its chemical properties and applications.
See Also
A silvery malleable fusible chiefly trivalent metallic element that occurs in sphalerite ores and is used in plating materials, alloys, and electronics.