Barium is a reactive alkaline earth metal whose dense, insoluble sulfate is useful for X-ray imaging and drilling fluids.
Atomic number
56
Category
Alkaline earth metal
Period
6
Group
2
State
Solid
Fun facts about Barium
Soluble barium compounds can be highly toxic.
Barium sulfate is sufficiently insoluble for controlled gastrointestinal contrast studies.
Barium salts can colour flames yellow-green.
Common uses of Barium
Medical X-ray contrast
Drilling muds
Green fireworks
Where Barium sits in the periodic table
Barium is classified as a alkaline earth metal in period 6 and group 2 of the periodic table. Under the conditions represented in this reference, its state is solid.
Quick chemistry revision
For quick revision, pair the symbol Ba with atomic number 56 and the listed atomic mass 137.33. The summary, facts, and uses above keep those element properties together in one reference.