Hafnium:Stepping into the Limelight!

摘要

In the periodic table,just as in real life,not all the protagonists play leading roles.Depending on their abilities some elements are more prominent than others.Frequently,one group in the periodic table hosts one or two outstanding characters,while the other elements appear as pale epigones.For example,titanium and zirconium dominate Group 4.Both are leading actors which are akin as can be expected for close relatives but possess enough individuality to play their roles with equal billing.Next to these two elements hafnium,the third member of Group 4,appears strangely insignificant.Hafnium's position as a latecomer is apparent even historically.While titanium and zirconium were discovered in the 18th century,proof of the existence of hafnium was achieved only in 1923.