Where is Nickel Found and How Is It Used?
Nickel is essential in chemistry and helps students understand various practical and theoretical applications related to this topic. This transition metal appears in daily life, industrial processes, and many chemistry chapters, connecting earth science, alloys, and even health concepts together.
What is Nickel in Chemistry?
A nickel in chemistry refers to the chemical element with symbol Ni and atomic number 28. This concept appears in chapters related to transition metals, atomic structure, and industrial extraction, making it a foundational part of your chemistry syllabus.
Molecular Formula and Composition
The molecular formula of nickel is simply Ni, as it is a pure metallic element. It consists entirely of nickel atoms and is categorized under transition elements in Group 10 of the periodic table.
Preparation and Synthesis Methods
Nickel is commonly prepared from its ores like pentlandite and garnierite. The industrial process involves roasting the ore to form nickel oxide, which is then reduced using carbon or hydrogen.
Another important method is the Mond process, where impure nickel reacts with carbon monoxide to form nickel carbonyl vapor, which is decomposed to give nearly pure nickel metal.
Physical Properties of Nickel
Nickel is a hard, silvery-white metal with a slight golden hue. It is solid at room temperature, with a melting point around 1455°C and a boiling point about 2913°C.
Nickel is dense (8.90 g/cm³), is ferromagnetic, and has high conductivity for both heat and electricity. Its surface oxidizes slowly, making it resistant to corrosion and wear in daily and industrial use.
Chemical Properties and Reactions
Nickel in chemistry shows strong resistance to corrosion and oxidation. It reacts with acids to form nickel salts and liberates hydrogen gas. With oxygen, it forms thin layers of nickel oxide.
Nickel also shows a +2 oxidation state most often, but can also exhibit other states (+1, +3, +4). Its ability to form complex ions, like [Ni(NH3)6]2+, makes it important in coordination chemistry and catalysis.
Frequent Related Errors
- Confusing nickel with silver or stainless steel due to its color and appearance.
- Mixing up nickel’s symbol (Ni) with other metals like sodium (Na).
- Assuming all coins called “nickel” are 100% made of nickel metal.
- Believing nickel is always safe for humans; ignoring possible allergy or toxicity risks.
Uses of Nickel in Real Life
Nickel is widely used in industries and your daily surroundings—most notably in making stainless steel (used in utensils and appliances), rechargeable batteries, coins, chemical catalysts, and several specialty alloys.
It is also used for electroplating, providing a shiny and corrosion-proof finish on metal goods. Many musical instruments, electronics, and machinery parts contain nickel alloys for strength and durability.
Relation with Other Chemistry Concepts
Nickel is closely related to topics such as Transition Elements and Alloys, helping students build a conceptual bridge between various chemistry chapters such as metal extraction, corrosion, and periodic trends. Its catalytic role links it with reaction mechanisms and green chemistry as well.
Step-by-Step Reaction Example
- Roasting nickel ores
NiS (nickel(II) sulfide) + O2 → NiO (nickel(II) oxide) + SO2 - Reduction to pure nickel
NiO + H2 → Ni + H2O - Mond process (purification)
Ni + 4CO → Ni(CO)4 (gas, at 50°C), then
Ni(CO)4 → Ni (pure, at 200°C) + 4CO (recycled)
Lab or Experimental Tips
Remember nickel by its unique greenish color in nickel salt solutions and its magnetic property. Vedantu educators often demonstrate the dimethylglyoxime test—where nickel forms a red precipitate—for easy lab identification during Chemistry practicals.
Try This Yourself
- Write the electron configuration of nickel’s ground state.
- List two reasons why nickel is used for making stainless steel.
- Find out which Indian coins contain nickel and which do not.
Final Wrap-Up
We explored nickel in chemistry—its structure, physical and chemical properties, reactions, and real-life importance. For more in-depth explanations, practical tips, and exam preparation, explore Chemistry live classes and resources at Vedantu. Keep learning about elements and their roles in everything around you!
Transition Elements
Atomic Mass of Elements
FAQs on Nickel: Properties, Uses, and Role in Chemistry
1. What is the symbol and atomic number of nickel?
Nickel is represented by the symbol Ni and has the atomic number 28 on the periodic table. These details help identify nickel among the transition elements in chemistry.
2. Where is nickel found in nature?
Nickel occurs naturally in Earth’s crust and is mainly extracted from ores such as:
- Pentlandite
- Garnierite
- Laterite
It is also present in meteorites and some soils.
3. What are the main properties of nickel?
Nickel exhibits both physical and chemical properties that make it important:
- Silvery-white, hard, and ductile metal
- Good conductor of heat and electricity
- Highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation
- Ferromagnetic (attracted to magnets)
4. Why is the 5-cent coin called a nickel?
The U.S. 5-cent coin is called a nickel because it contains a significant amount of nickel metal in its composition, traditionally mixed with copper. This alloy provides strength and resistance to wear.
5. What are the uses of nickel in daily life and industry?
Nickel has many uses, including:
- Stainless steel and other durable alloys
- Batteries like NiMH and NiCd
- Coins and plating for corrosion resistance
- Catalysts in chemical reactions
6. Is nickel dangerous or toxic to humans?
Nickel can cause allergic reactions in some people and is toxic if ingested in large quantities. Prolonged exposure to nickel dust or compounds may harm health, so handling should follow safety guidelines. Tiny amounts are generally safe for daily contact.
7. What is the electronic configuration of nickel?
The electronic configuration of nickel is [Ar] 3d8 4s2. This determines nickel’s chemical reactivity and placement in the periodic table among transition metals.
8. How is nickel extracted from its ores?
Nickel extraction involves several steps:
- Mining of ore (such as pentlandite or laterite)
- Crushing and flotation to concentrate ore
- Roasting or smelting to separate nickel metal
Refined nickel is then used in various products.
9. What are nickel alloys and why are they important?
Nickel alloys are mixtures of nickel with other metals (such as chromium or iron) that have special properties:
- Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant
- Monel is strong and resists seawater
- Used in turbine blades, coins, and industrial parts
10. Does nickel play a role in biology or health?
Nickel is required in trace amounts for some plants and microorganisms, but its biological role in humans is minor and not fully essential. High exposure can cause allergies or toxicity; normal contact (like coins) is usually safe for most people.
11. How does nickel impact the environment?
Nickel can pollute soil and water if waste is not properly managed. However:
- Recycling nickel helps reduce environmental harm
- Strict regulations are in place to limit pollution
- Safe handling and disposal are important for sustainability
12. How can you identify nickel in the laboratory?
Nickel can be detected through:
- Greenish solutions when dissolved in water
- Dimethylglyoxime test, which forms a red precipitate with nickel ions
- Characteristic physical properties like magnetic attraction
