Barium

Symbol

Ba

Atomic number

56

Atomic mass	137.33		Thermal conductivity	0.184
Atomic radius	2.78		Covalent radius	1.98
Density	3.5		Atomic volume	39.24
Melting point	1002		Oxidation states	2
Boiling point	1913		Stable isotopes	7
Heat of vapor.	142.0		Electronegativity	0.89
Heat of fusion	7.75		First ionization	5.212
Specific heat	0.204		Electrical conduct.	...

Electron configuration

Barium

Barium is a metal, but has no significant uses as such.

A significant medical use of barium is to enhance x-ray images of the intestinal tract. Barium has a high atomic number and absorbs x-rays strongly. A thin paste of barium sulfate, BaSO₄, and water is is swallowed to coat the alimentary canal. This gives greater definition and contrast to the x-ray images of the tract. The low solubility of barium sulfate minimizes the toxic effects which might occur with other barium compounds. The mineral form of barium sulfate is called barite.

Barium nitrate Ba(NO₃)₂ and barium chlorate Ba(ClO₃)₂ are used for producing green fire from fireworks.

Barium appears in the mineral Bensonite. Barium carbonate, BaCO₃, in mineral form is called Witherite. An oxide formed along with manganese is called romanechite. Barium is sometimes found in silicate minerals, for example hyalophane, (K,Ba)Al(Si,Al)₃O₈.

Barium Nuclear Data