low atomic number
TiCl4 l + 2Mg s Ti s + 2MgCl2 s The only other alkaline earth that is widely used as the metal is beryllium, which is extremely toxic. Ingestion of beryllium or exposure to beryllium-containing dust causes a syndrome called berylliosis, characterized by severe inflammation of the respiratory tract or other tissues. A small percentage of beryllium dramatically increases the strength of copper or nickel alloys, which are used in nonmagnetic, nonsparking tools such as wrenches and screwdrivers , camera springs, and electrical contacts. The low atomic number of beryllium gives it a very low tendency to absorb x-rays and makes it uniquely suited for applications involving radioactivity. Both elemental Be and BeO, which is a high-temperature ceramic, are used in nuclear reactors, and the windows on all x-ray tubes and sources are made of beryllium foil. Millions of tons of calcium compounds are used every year. As discussed in earlier chapters, CaCl 2 is used as road salt to lower the freezing point of water on roads in cold temperatures. In addition, CaCO 3 is a.