Iodine

gingerrox

**__Iodine: I__** __Sub-Atomic Particles__

Iodine has an atomic mass (average mass of an iodine atom, sum of protons and neutrons) of 127 and its atomic number (number of protons in one iodine atom) is 53. It has 53 protons (particles in the atoms nucleus with a positive charge), 74 neutrons (particles in the atoms nucleus with no charge), and 53 electrons (particles that surround the atoms nucleus with a negative charge). It's symbol is I.

__Characteristics__

Iodine is part of the halogen group, which means its atom just needs one electron to be “happy” or stable. This makes it very easy for it to join with another element. It’s highly reactive and combines with many elements, but hardly with other halogens. Common compounds are reaction of potassium iodide and copper sulfate.

Iodine is the heaviest element in the halogen family. Its boiling point (temperature at which iodine boils, or begins to change from a liquid to a gas) is 184 degrees Celsius. Its melting point (temperature at which iodine melts, or begins to change from a solid to a liquid) is 113.7 degrees Celsius. It is a bluish-black or violet solid, and turns into a violet gas with what some say is an irritating smell. It has many metal-like properties.

__History__

Iodine was “discovered” by Bernard Courtis in 1811. He "discovered" Iodine totally by accident, when he saw a purple vapor coming from kelpt sulfuric acid (a type of seaweed). The name 'Iodine' comes from the Greek word //iôdes,// which means violet//.// __Uses__

Iodine is found in seawater where it is found as seaweed. It can also be found in the ashes of burnt seaweed, and in natural brines. At one point in time, Chile was one of the largest producers of iodine. Now it can be found in underground wells of Arkansas and Oklahoma.

It is important in chemistry, and useful in medicine, especially with external wounds. It makes beautiful photography. Iodine is a poison, however is commonly used in antiseptic solution and alcohol. It makes up the growth hormone thyroxide, and ensures the thyroid gland works well. It can diagnose thyroid diseases because and Iodine taken up by the body is eliminated within several weeks. It treats severe sicknesses of the thyroid gland and destroys cancer cells without any damage to other tissue and organs. Iodine can also be found in some table salts.



Here are two links I used:

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 * Bibliography:**

"Argusia Gnaphalodes (L.) Heine - Sea Rosemary, Iodine Bush, Bay Lavender on Flickr - Photo Sharing!" //Welcome to Flickr - Photo Sharing//. Web. 07 June 2010. [].

"File:Iodine-evaporating.jpg." //Wikimedia Commons//. Web. 08 June 2010. .

"Iodine | Essential Information." //WebElements Periodic Table of the Elements//. Web. 08 June 2010. [].

"Iodine." Web. 07 June 2010. [].

Stwertka, Albert. //A Guide to the Elements//. New York: Oxford UP, 2002. Print.