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Cobalt

Metalsolid
Symbol: Co
Atomic number: 27
Atomic mass: 58.93320
Group: Transition Metal
CAS-number: 7440-48-4

Physical data
Isotopes
Other info
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Physical data

Electronic data

Shells: 2, 8, 15, 2
Orbitals: [Ar] 3d7 4s2
Electronegativity: 1.9, 1.7
1. Ionization potential: 7.8810 eV
2. Ionization potential: 17.06 eV
3. Ionization potential: 33.50 eV
Oxidation states: 3, 2, 0, -1
Electrical conductivity: 0.172 10^6

Thermal data

Melting point: 1495 °C
Boiling point: 2927 °C
Specific heat: 0.42 J/gK
Heat of fusion: 16.190 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization: 376.50 kJ/mol
Thermal conductivity: 1.00 W/cmK

Steric data

Atomic radius: 1.67 Å
Ionic radius: 0.65 Å (+2)
Covalent radius: 1.16 Å
Atomic volume: 6.7 cm³/mol
Density (293 K): 8.90 g/cm³
Crystal structure: hexagonal
hexagonal

Isotopes

NuclideAbundance [%]MassSpinHalflifeDecay modeDecay tree
56Co 0 55.94 4 77.3d EC, β+ View
57Co 0 56.936 7/2 271.8d EC View
58Co 0 57.936 2 70.88d EC, β+ View
58Com 0 58 5 9.1h IT View
59Co 100 58.9332 7/2 -- --
60Co 0 59.934 5 5.271y β- View
60Com 0 60 2 10.47m IT, β- View
61Co 0 61 7/2 1.65h β- View

Other info

Name origin:Named from the German word Kobold (goblin)
Description:Hard, ductile, lustrous bluish-gray metal. Exists in the earth's crust in concentrations of about 25 ppm. It has remarkable magnetic properties.
Discovered by:George Brandt
Year:1739
Place:Sweden
Sources:Occurs in compounds with arsenic, oxygen and sulfur as in cobaltine (CoAsS) and linnaeite (Co3S4). Pure cobalt is obtained as a byproduct of refining nickel, copper and iron.
Use(s):Used in many hard alloys; for magnets, ceramics and special glasses. Remains hard up to 982°C. Radioactive cobalt-60 is used in cancer therapy.