Specific weight of chromium, properties, applications and table of values

Chromium is an element of the sixth group of the secondary subgroup of the corresponding table of chemical elements. In appearance, chromium is a hard white metal with a bluish tint. This element received its name because of the variety of colors of its compounds. The literal translation is color, paint.

This material is a fairly widespread element. A large number of chromium deposits are located in South Africa, Russia, Kazakhstan, Madagascar and Zimbabwe.

Table of the specific weight of chromium

Chromium density is a reference physical value and is not normally determined in field conditions. For metallic chromium at room temperature, values of about 7.15 - 7.19 g/cm³ are commonly used; the table below uses the rounded value of 7.19 g/cm³.

To simplify calculations, below is a table with values such as the weight of chromium and its specific weight depending on the units of calculation.

Properties of chromium

In its free form, chromium is a white metal with a bluish tint and a body-centered cubic lattice. At a temperature of about 39 °C, a transition occurs between antiferromagnetic and paramagnetic states. Chromium is one of the hard pure metals, so it is used where wear resistance, hardness and surface stability are important. Its machinability depends on the purity of the metal and the condition of the workpiece.

This element is stable in air due to passivation. This also prevents it from reacting with nitric and sulfuric acids. The combustion temperature is 2000 °C, and a green chromium oxide with amphoteric properties is formed.

Four oxidation states of chromium are distinguished, each having its own color:

1. Oxidation state +2 - black oxide and yellow hydroxide with a basic character. This type is a very strong reducing agent.
2. Oxidation state +3 - green oxide and gray-green hydroxide with an amphoteric character.
3. Oxidation state +4 - colorless oxide; it does not occur in hydroxide forms and has a non-salt-forming character. It is very rare.
4. Oxidation state +6 - red oxide and colorless hydroxide with an acidic character. It is a highly toxic, very strong oxidizer of a hygroscopic type.

The main application of chromium is its use as an important component in alloying steel, especially stainless steel. Less often, it is used in other types of steel. The addition of chromium gives alloys excellent properties, such as corrosion resistance and hardness.

This material is also used in decorative chromium plating, where, thanks to its characteristics, it has an attractive appearance and wear resistance.

Chromium and nickel-chromium alloys are used in heat-resistant parts, heating elements, protective coatings and some products for aviation and high-temperature equipment.

Biological role

This material belongs to the biogenic elements. This means that chromium is constantly present in the tissues of animals and plants. In the animal world, this element supports the normal functioning of protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. A decrease in the content of this element in blood and food leads to an increase in blood cholesterol and slowed growth.

Metallic chromium in massive form is much less hazardous than many of its compounds, but chromium dust, aerosols and soluble compounds can irritate the skin and respiratory tract.

Hexavalent chromium is especially toxic and is a carcinogen capable of causing various serious diseases, including cancer.