berülliumi

Berüllium, also known as beryllium, is a chemical element with the symbol Be and atomic number 4. It is a steel-gray, strong, lightweight, and brittle alkaline earth metal. Berüllium is primarily used in the aerospace industry due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for components in aircraft and spacecraft. It is also used in X-ray machines, nuclear reactors, and as a component in alloys to improve their strength and resistance to corrosion.

Berüllium is relatively rare in the Earth's crust, making up only about 0.0004% of its mass. It is typically found in combination with other elements, such as in beryl and bertrandite. The most common isotope of berüllium is Be-9, which is stable. Berüllium has a low melting point and is highly reactive with water, acids, and other compounds. It is also toxic and can cause chronic berylliosis, a lung disease, in humans.

Berüllium was discovered in 1798 by French chemist Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin. It was named after the mineral beryl, which is a common source of the element. Berüllium has several applications in industry and technology, but its use is limited by its toxicity and the challenges associated with its extraction and processing.