Chromium
<p style="color:#dbdbdb ;padding:20px; border-left:5px solid #9BA4AB">Few of the elements that occur in nature are unique as they are derived from their natural resemblance. There is one element which is derived due to its distinguished colour. The element is Chromium. Chromium is the first chemical element in Group 6 with a symbol Cr and an atomic number 24. It is a steel–grey, lustrous metal and is the 21st most abundant element in the earth’s crust. It is a rare element and is obtained by mining the mineral Chromite. Native Chromium exists in Kimberlite pipe, where the reducing atmosphere favours the formation of diamond in addition to the elemental Chromium. Chromium derives its name from the Greek word ‘chroma’ that means ‘colour’. This is because most of its compounds are intensely coloured. As it is hard and brittle, it takes a high polish, resists tarnishing and has a high melting point.</p>
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Chlorine
<p style="color:#dbdbdb ;padding:20px; border-left:5px solid #B3B5DB">Shedding light on the past, the destruction that the First World War had caused is a result of many factors that triggered the war. However, despite the people, the rage and the revenge, means and weapons used during the war spoke more of destruction. Many chemical elements that could be greatly utilised for the benefit of mankind were sprinkled like showers on each other’s pride and country. One such element was Chlorine. It was used as an important chemical weapon during World War I. It is heavier than air and forms a deadly layer in the foxholes and the trenches. Chlorine has a symbol ‘Cl’ and an atomic number 17. It is considered to be the second lightest element after Fluorine. Under standard conditions, it is a yellow–green gas and forms diatomic molecules. Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent as it has the highest electron affinity and the third highest electronegativity. The element is a result of direct or indirect oxidation by oxygen and combines with nearly every element and hence, it is never found free in nature. Since ancient times, Sodium Chloride or common salt is the most common compound of Chlorine. It is the 21st most abundant element in the earth’s crust and the third most abundant element in oceans.</p>
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Carbon
<p style="color:#dbdbdb ;padding:20px; border-left:5px solid #AAAAAA">Most of the elements are not available freely in nature. But very few elements are found in three allotropic forms. One such element is Carbon. Carbon, symbolised as C and has an atomic number 6 is the fourth most abundant element in the Universe. It is derived from the Latin word ‘carbo’, which means ‘charcoal’. As it is the fourth most abundant element in the Universe, its abundance is found in the sun, stars, comets and atmospheres of most of the planets. Available free in nature, it is found in all the three allotropic forms, namely amorphous, graphite and diamond. Let us learn more about this element.</p>
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