Zr

1. Introduce – Zirconium is a metal belonging to Group 4 of the periodic table, known as the “Ti group,” along with titanium (Ti) and hafnium (Hf) – Although the metal itself is relatively unreactive, a protective layer of zirconium dioxide forms on its surface when exposed to air, making it highly resistant to corrosion – In nature, it is always found alongside hafnium (Hf) * Zr and Hf √ Zr is always found alongside Hf in nature √ Zr and Hf have nearly identical electron and ionic radii, and their properties—including density, transition temperatures, and chemical characteri...