10.811
Atomic Mass (u)
2076 C
Melting Point
3927 C
Boiling Point
2.34 g/cm3
Density
2.04
Electronegativity
[He] 2s2 2p1
Electron Config
2
Period
13
Group
📖 About Boron
A metalloid with one of the highest melting points of any element. Boron compounds have been used since ancient times (borax). It is a critical neutron absorber in nuclear reactor control rods and emergency shutdown systems. Pure crystalline boron is one of the hardest materials known.
🔧 Uses and Applications
- Nuclear reactor control rods (neutron absorption)
- Borosilicate glass (Pyrex)
- Detergents and bleach (borax)
- Semiconductors
- High-strength boron fibers for aerospace
💡 Did You Know?
Fact: Boron-10 absorbs neutrons so effectively that it is used in emergency reactor shutdown systems. Injecting boric acid solution is a last-resort way to stop a runaway nuclear chain reaction.