Barium nitrate facts for kids
Barium nitrate is a special kind of chemical compound. Think of a compound as two or more different elements joined together. Its chemical formula is Ba(NO3)2. This means it's made up of barium and nitrate ions, which are tiny charged particles.
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What is Barium Nitrate Like?
Barium nitrate is a solid that has no color, so it looks white or clear. It can easily dissolve in water, just like sugar dissolves in your tea.
It is also an oxidizing agent. This means it can help other substances burn or react by providing oxygen. If you burn barium nitrate, it creates a bright green flame. This is why it's used in fireworks!
When you heat barium nitrate very strongly, it breaks down. It turns into barium oxide, oxygen gas, and nitrogen dioxide gas. If you heat it in a different gas called nitric oxide, it forms barium nitrite instead.
Barium nitrate also reacts with any sulfate or sulfuric acid. When this happens, it creates a new substance called barium sulfate.
How is Barium Nitrate Made?
Scientists can make barium nitrate in a few ways. One common method is to mix barium carbonate with nitric acid. Imagine two liquids or powders reacting to create something new.
Another way to make it is by mixing solutions of sodium nitrate and barium chloride. When these two solutions are combined, barium nitrate forms.
What is Barium Nitrate Used For?
Barium nitrate has several interesting uses:
- Fireworks: It is widely used in fireworks to create a beautiful green color. This is because of the green flame it makes when burned.
- Special Mixtures: It can be mixed with powdered aluminium and zinc. This combination can create a powerful mixture used in some special effects or industrial applications.
- Making Barium Oxide: It is also used to produce barium oxide, which is another useful chemical.
Is Barium Nitrate Safe?
It is very important to know that barium nitrate is quite toxic. This means it can be harmful if someone swallows it.
If someone accidentally eats barium nitrate, doctors might give them sulfates. Sulfates help to change the harmful barium nitrate into barium sulfate. Barium sulfate is not toxic and can pass through the body safely.
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See also
In Spanish: Nitrato de bario para niños
