Page 162 - The Periodic Table Book

33
As Arsenic

33 33 42 State: Solid
Discovery: c. 1250
The Nitrogen Group Orpiment These leaves brake fern Pure arsenic refined Metallic
Forms
shine
in a laboratory
Chinese
absorb arsenic
from soil.

Until the 1800s,
this mineral was
powdered for use
in paints.

This ore is found in
hot volcanic springs. Realgar

Uses
When
This tip This poisonous arsenic heated,
is an alloy compound kills rats. arsenic doesn’t
of arsenic
and lead. melt, instead it
Bullets Rat poison turns into Car battery The electrodes
a gas.
inside this battery
contain arsenic.

Arsenic is often called the “king of poisons”. occurring pure arsenic has a shiny, grey colour.
Every form of arsenic – either pure or in a Arsenic compounds are used in making some
compound – is poisonous to animals. In fact, rat poisons. The leading use of arsenic today
arsenic poisons have been used for centuries. is for strengthening lead. This is done by mixing
This semi-metal is found in several minerals with arsenic with lead to create a tough alloy that is
160 striking colours, including orpiment. Naturally often used in car batteries.

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