- Definition of Be
Be, also known as Beryllium, is a chemical element in the periodic table with the symbol Be and atomic number 4. The atomic mass of Beryllium is 9.012182(3) and the atomic weight is 9.0122. The molecular structure of Beryllium comprises of 4 protons, 5 neutrons, and 4 electrons. Beryllium has the ability to form Be2+ ions when it loses its two outermost electrons.
- Properties of Be
2.1 Physical properties of Be: Beryllium is a silver-white metal, odorless, non-straight and possesses a neutral PH level. It has good electrical and thermal conductivity.
2.2 Chemical properties of Be: Beryllium can react with acids and bases but does not react with air at room temperature. It also does not react with water or steam.
- Common chemical equations involving Be
Since Beryllium is relatively inactive chemically, it is not regularly encountered in metal, acid, non-metal, or salt reactions.
- Preparation of Be
4.1 Laboratory preparation of Be: Beryllium is usually prepared from beryl ore, a group of minerals containing beryllium such as chrysoberyl.
4.2 Industrial preparation of Be: In industry, Beryllium is produced from spodumene (LiAlSi2O6) or from beryl (3BeO·Al2O3·6SiO2). Beryllium can also be prepared through the electrolysis process of beryllium salt or the melting of beryllium oxide with aluminum alloy.