Thulium Facts

Thulium is one of the rarest of the rare earth metals. This silver-gray metals share many common properties with other lanthanides but also displays some unique characteristics. Here is a look at some interesting thulium facts: Although the rare earth elements arent all that rare, they are so-named because they are difficult to extract from their ores and purify. Thulium actually is the least abundant of the rare earths.Thulium metal is soft enough that it can be cut with a knife. Like other rare earths, it is malleable and ductile.Thulium has a silvery appearance. It is fairly stable in air. It reacts slowly in water and more quickly in acids.Swedish chemist Per Teodor Cleve discovered thulium in 1879 from an analysis of the mineral erbia, a source of several rare earth elements.Thulium is named for the early name for Scandinavia—Thule.The principal source of thulium is the mineral monazite, which contains thulium at a concentration of  about 20 parts per million.Thulium is not toxic, although it has no known biological function.Natural thulium consists of one stable isotope, Tm-169. 32 radioactive isotopes of thulium have been produced, with atomic masses ranging from 146 to 177.The most common o xidation state of thulium is Tm3. This trivalent ion most commonly forms green compounds. When excited, Tm3 emits a strong blue fluorescence. One interesting fact is that this fluorescence, along with red from europium Eu3  and green from terbium Tb3, is used as security markers in Euro banknotes. The fluorescence appears when the notes are held under black or ultraviolet light.Because of its rarity and expense, there are not many uses for thulium and its compounds. However, it is used to dope YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) lasers, in ceramic magnetic materials, and as a radiation source (after bombardment in a reactor) for portable x-ray equipment. Thulium Chemical and Physical Properties Element Name: Thulium Atomic Number: 69 Symbol: Tm Atomic Weight: 168.93421 Discovery: Per Theodor Cleve 1879 (Sweden) Electron Configuration: [Xe] 4f13 6s2 Element Classification: Rare Earth (Lanthanide) Word Origin: Thule, the ancient name of Scandinavia. Density (g/cc): 9.321 Melting Point (K): 1818 Boiling Point (K): 2220 Appearance: soft, malleable, ductile, silvery metal Atomic Radius (pm): 177 Atomic Volume (cc/mol): 18.1 Covalent Radius (pm): 156 Ionic Radius: 87 (3e) Specific Heat (20 °C J/g mol): 0.160 Evaporation Heat (kJ/mol): 232 Pauling Negativity Number: 1.25 First Ionizing Energy (kJ/mol): 589 Oxidation States: 3, 2 Lattice Structure: Hexagonal Lattice Constant (Ã…): 3.540 Lattice C/A Ratio: 1.570 References: Los Alamos National Laboratory (2001), Crescent Chemical Company (2001), Langes Handbook of Chemistry (1952), CRC Handbook of Chemistry Physics (18th Ed.) Return to the Periodic Table

Should Intelligent Design and/or Creationism Be Taught...

There are many controversies in courtrooms about whether or not should intelligent design should be taught alongside evolution in public schools, which has been going on for a great amount of years. Intelligent design is the idea of natures changes cannot be a random process, but a type of guidance must have lead to why nature is the way it is in today’s era. In most cases, that specific guidance is God. God has created the world for a purpose. Creationism is the same idea as intelligent design, believing that nature was created by a divine being, God. Evolution is the idea of natural selection. This idea means that specific characteristics of genes, has been chosen to last longer throughout generations having the ability to breed on those characteristics. Having those particular types of genes, allows the specific living organism to survive longer and be well adapted to its’ environment. Intelligent design and/or creationism are different from evolution, leading to why these two ideas should not be taught alongside with one another. The ideas should not be taught alongside with each other because it violates the first amendment, separation of church and state, intelligent design is made of theories of religion and not science, and it can intervene with students prior science knowledge. To begin with, intelligent design should not be taught alongside evolution in classrooms in public schools because it shows favoring of religion. According to the first amendment, it statesShow MoreRelatedThe Theory Of Evolution Or Intelligent Design1677 Words   |  7 Pagesseem to be shrouded in mystery, but in modern America two main theories have come to dominate as the explanation; either the theory of evolution or Intelligent Design. The theory of evolution was first published by Charles Darwin, a famous figure who is just as controversial in modern society as he was in his own time. He introduced the public to the theory of evolution in his book On the Origin of Species, where he proposed that new species evolve from older ones through Natural Selection, or the processRead MoreCreationism Vs Intelligent Design Creationism1474 Words   |  6 Pageswhether creationism and intelligent design are valid alternative theories that should be embodied within the curriculum of scienc e classes. ‘Through local school boards, sympathetic politicians, and well-funded organizations, a strong movement has developed to encourage the teaching of the latest incarnation of creationism—intelligent design—as a scientifically credible theory alongside evolution in science classes.’ Creationism is the rejection of evolution in favor of supernatural design (PennockRead MoreThe Controversy Over Creationism And Evolution1415 Words   |  6 Pagescontroversy over Creationism and Evolution is a widely debated topic, especially when it comes to what is being taught in the biology classrooms in public schools today. It may be hard to imagine, but just over 100 years ago the curriculum and beliefs would have looked dramatically different. One central court case that created a spark of bringing evolution to public schools was the infamous Scopes trial of 1925 in which science teacher John Scopes challenged Tennessee state law and taught evolution in hisRea d MoreCreationism: The Center of Our Universe and Life Essay examples1605 Words   |  7 Pagesthat through the theory of evolution life began. However the world’s most popular book is the Bible. The Bible is also on almost every critics top ten list of books that should be read. So how can the world’s most popular book be wrong? Many who have read the Bible believe that only through the power of God life began upon the Earth. There are many people who do not believe in the theory of evolution and instead believe in the power of divine creationism. Creationism is a belief that Deity or GodRead More The Role of Religion in Elementary Secondary Education Essay1540 Words   |  7 Pagesnot hold.†1 â€Å"What schools need is a moment of science†. I laugh at the bumper sticker as I pull into my high school’s parking lot. The controversy of public school prayer has not struck my particular school, but it is still prominent in my mind. For decades, many schools have allowed for a moment of silent prayer in the beginning of the day – a time for reflection or meditation – and some have even led deliberately Christian-oriented prayer services over the PA systems. My school would open each classRead MoreIntelligent Design: A Bona Fide Theory Essay1278 Words   |  6 Pagesin an intelligent designer who created the universe and humanity. According to Discovery Institute (n.d.), â€Å"The theory of intelligent design holds that certain feature of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process such as natural selection† (para.1). Although intelligent design is quickly becoming regarded as a scien tific theory with more than 50 peer-reviewed journals published, as of now there is no tolerance for it to be taught in America’sRead MorePolitics Of The Polarized Classroom Essay1666 Words   |  7 Pagesideal, especially in plural contexts, so that the free exchange of ideas can be guaranteed, and that notions which beget discrimination are not heedlessly spread or sown. This is not to say that classrooms ought to aspire to be apolitical, because if schools are charged with preparing new generations for future political climates then the classroom is inescapably political. Rather, teachers ought to strive to regulate politics within the classroom so that all opinions are expressed and represented equallyRead MoreThe Problems of Teaching Creationism in Schools1465 Words   |  6 PagesNot Very Creative: On Not Teaching Creationism in Schools Everybody should have a right to believe in whatever religious or spiritual system they want. Living in America, people are legally guaranteed that freedom, as well as protection from being persecuted for their beliefs. Recently there’s been a lot of talk in the media about religious freedom, as a result of the gay marriage controversies. Many people have cited gay marriage as an attack on their religious freedom. However, an excellent HuffingtonRead MoreReligion and Science in the Classroom Essay1850 Words   |  8 Pagesâ€Å"describes what is.† â€Å"Such a description consists of certain laws of nature, which summarize observed patterns, and theories† (Peshkin 46). Science and religion are the main components of the ongoing national debate about the teaching of evolution in our public schools (Peshkin 46).Various religions reject or ignore the contributions of science, arguing that science displaces God, questions religious belief, and degrades morality (M olloy 547). Others disagree, appreciating science and the important informationRead MoreShould Religious Education Be Public Schools?1719 Words   |  7 Pageshave religious education in our schools. Religion is a taboo issue and turns even more taboo when we involve children. Many oppose the teaching of region in our schools for the simple reason of separation of church and state. Another reason this is met with resistance would include all the reasons for which religion is frowned upon such as: crating division amongst people and misunderstandings. However, others argue that religious education is necessary in public schools due to the immense diversity

Sustainability and the Triple Bottom Line free essay sample

Airlines is the largest successful low-fare airline carrier in the United States. â€Å"The mission of Southwest Airlines is dedication to the highest quality of Customer Service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and Company Spirit. † (Southwest Airlines, 2012) Southwest operates the business based on its core values: culture, philosophy, and spirit. â€Å"People are important†¦each one makes a difference. † (Surenderan, E. 2010, March 6) They are committed to establishing transparency to their employees, customers, and stakeholders with Southwest’s One Report, which is the framework for their triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit. Southwest understands the changes in the workforce and the global implications. They recognize employees look for organizations that â€Å"develop an empowered culture where employees routinely come up with ways to improve performance; sustainability is one of the areas employees focus on. (Hitchcock, 2012, Kindle Location 4021-4022) Southwest also realizes consumers are also â€Å"telling individual business units that sustainability issues such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate change mattered to them. We will write a custom essay sample on Sustainability and the Triple Bottom Line or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page † (Senge, 2008, Kindle Locations 1630-1631) The One Report details their corporate social responsibility in relation to sustainability efforts, measurements, and environmental considerations. People One of Southwest greatest strengths, and the main reason why I would work for the organization, is the way their employees are treated. Southwest believes â€Å"our People are our greatest strength and an enduring long-term competitive advantage. † (Southwest, 2011) Their performance management strategy is â€Å"employees, not customers come first!!! † (Surenderan, E. , 2010, March 6); the belief is happy employees will ultimately result in happy customers. The organization promotes a culture for creativity and innovation, which in turn, improves operational effectiveness and customer service. Southwest offers their employees â€Å"the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Customer. (Southwest, 2012) Consumer Reports has recognized Southwest as the â€Å"Airline Customer Satisfaction Leader. † Planet Another reason why I would work for Southwest is due to their sustainability efforts. Southwest has collaborated with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) the two internationally recognized frameworks for communicating the triple bottom line. The GRI provides organizations a comprehensive sustainability reporting framework that is adopted around the world; The CDP helps manage environmental risks and provides strategies for climate change. One initiative Southwest implemented is the co-mingled waste recycle program, which has diverted over 2,600 tons of waste from landfills. Southwest has also teamed up with the Student Conservation Association (CSA) to conduct conservation service projects nationwide; their combined efforts have generated over 114,000 volunteered hours towards giving back to the community. Profit Lastly, an important factor for wanting to work for Southwest is the stability of the organization. Southwest uses One Report as a means of measurement and reporting sustainability initiatives in regards to performance, people, and planet. Record revenue Performance led to our 39th consecutive year of profitability—a feat unmatched in U. S. aviation history. † (Southwest, 2011) Their continual success has led to the acquisition of AirTran Airways in 2011, and Better Investing has rated Southwest as one of the better investing â€Å"Top 100 Companies. † Southwest understands that â€Å"qua lity corporate governance is a necessary foundation for achieving long-term Shareholder, Employee, and Customer value. † (Southwest 2011) Conclusion In conclusion, Southwest considers corporate social responsibility and the changes in the workforce in order to maintain operationalize sustainability. They understand that employees not only look growth opportunities from an organization, they are searching for organizations that are economically and environmentally sustainable. Their customers are doing the same, they are looking for organizations’ corporate social responsibly and to become more environmentally sustainable.