Indium is a soft, silvery-white metal with unique properties that make it valuable in various industries. It is commonly used in electronics, alloys, and coatings. Understanding the molar mass of indium is crucial for chemical calculations, material science, and industrial applications.
In this topic, we will explore the molar mass of indium, its atomic structure, chemical properties, and its significance in different fields.
What is the Molar Mass of Indium?
The molar mass of indium (In) is 114.82 g/mol. This value represents the mass of one mole of indium atoms, calculated based on its atomic weight.
How to Determine the Molar Mass?
The molar mass of an element is obtained from the periodic table, where each element’s atomic weight is listed in grams per mole (g/mol). For indium:
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Symbol: In
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Atomic number: 49
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Molar mass: 114.82 g/mol
Atomic Structure of Indium
1. Electron Configuration
Indium has the electron configuration:
[Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p¹
This structure explains its chemical reactivity and bonding behavior.
2. Isotopes of Indium
Indium has two naturally occurring isotopes:
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Indium-113 (ⁱ¹³In) – 4.3% abundance
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Indium-115 (ⁱ¹⁵In) – 95.7% abundance
These isotopes contribute to the average atomic mass of indium, leading to the molar mass of 114.82 g/mol.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Indium
1. Physical Properties
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Appearance: Silvery-white, shiny metal
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Density: 7.31 g/cm³
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Melting point: 156.6°C
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Boiling point: 2,072°C
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Soft and malleable
2. Chemical Properties
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Indium is relatively unreactive and does not corrode easily.
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It reacts slowly with oxygen, acids, and halogens.
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Forms compounds like indium oxide (In₂O₃) and indium chloride (InCl₃).
Uses of Indium
Indium’s unique properties make it essential in many industries.
1. Electronics Industry
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Used in indium tin oxide (ITO), which is a key material in LCD screens, touchscreens, and solar panels.
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Indium-based semiconductors are used in LEDs and transistors.
2. Aerospace and Coatings
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Indium coatings prevent oxidation in aerospace components.
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Used as a lubricant in high-vacuum environments.
3. Medical and Scientific Applications
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Indium-111, a radioactive isotope, is used in nuclear medicine for imaging and diagnostics.
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Indium alloys are used in dental materials.
4. Alloys and Soldering
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Indium forms low-melting-point alloys, useful in soldering and thermal fuses.
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Used in lead-free solder for environmental safety.
Comparison of Indium with Other Metals
| Property | Indium (In) | Aluminum (Al) | Tin (Sn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molar Mass (g/mol) | 114.82 | 26.98 | 118.71 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 7.31 | 2.70 | 7.29 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 156.6 | 660.3 | 231.9 |
| Reactivity | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
Why is the Molar Mass of Indium Important?
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Chemical Calculations
- The molar mass is used in stoichiometry, reaction balancing, and mass-to-mole conversions.
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Material Science
- Understanding the molar mass helps in designing new materials and alloys.
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Industrial Applications
- Essential for manufacturing electronic components and coatings.
How to Calculate the Mass of Indium in a Sample?
To determine the mass of indium in a given sample, use the formula:
For example, if you have 2 moles of indium:
Indium is a valuable metal with a molar mass of 114.82 g/mol. It plays a crucial role in electronics, aerospace, medicine, and materials science. Understanding its molar mass, atomic structure, and applications helps in various scientific and industrial fields.
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