Research Barium

Read up on Greek roots and history. Find out why barium is named for the Greek word "barys," meaning "heavy." Look for facts about how some of the compounds of this element are remarkable for their high specific gravity. Find out why the discovery of barium is credited to Sir Humphry Davy of England, who extracted it in 1808, although it was first identified by Carl Scheele in 1774.

Read about geology to understand why barium is only found combined with other elements, primarily barite and witherite. Study world economics to see that barium is commercially obtained by electrolysis of barium chloride. Study mining and chemical manufacturing techniques to learn how barium is mined in China, India and the United States. Search chemistry and physics Web sites and books to learn about the best-known aspect of barium--its use with X-rays. Look for facts about barium's appearance, reactivity and other chemical and physical properties.

Get information on chemical properties to understand why barium is primarily used in vacuum tubes, spark plugs, pyrotechnics (where it produces a green color) and fluorescent lamps. Study industrial applications, including how barium is also used in drilling fluids, glass, brick and rubber making, water softeners, desiccants and rodent poisons. Research additional uses to learn how barium salts, especially barium sulfate, are used to increase the contrast of medical X-rays of the digestive system.