Sodium dichromate facts for kids
Sodium dichromate is a special kind of chemical. Its chemical formula is Na2Cr2O7. This means it's made up of sodium (Na), chromium (Cr), and oxygen (O) atoms all linked together. It looks like shiny orange crystals.
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What is Sodium Dichromate?
Sodium dichromate is a chemical compound. It is a type of salt that contains sodium and dichromate ions. An ion is a tiny particle with an electric charge. This chemical is known for its bright orange color.
How is it Made?
Sodium dichromate is usually made from another chemical called sodium chromate. Sodium chromate is yellow. By adding an acid, the yellow sodium chromate can be changed into orange sodium dichromate.
How is Sodium Dichromate Used?
Sodium dichromate is a very useful chemical in many industries.
- Making Chromium Metal: It is an important step in making chromium metal. Chromium metal is used to make stainless steel and to plate other metals.
- Leather Tanning: It helps to process animal hides into leather. This makes the leather strong and durable.
- Making Other Chemicals: It is used to create many other important chemicals. These include pigments (colors for paints) and other organic compounds. Organic compounds are a large group of chemicals that contain carbon.
Safety Information
Sodium dichromate is a powerful chemical. It is known as a strong oxidizing agent. This means it can cause other chemicals to react strongly. Because of this, it must be handled with great care.
It is also important to know that sodium dichromate can be harmful. If it touches your skin or if you breathe it in, it can cause irritation. Over a long time, exposure to this chemical can lead to serious health problems. Always use proper safety gear like gloves and eye protection when working with it.
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