A nickel refers to both a silver-white, hard metallic element used in various industrial applications and, more commonly, the U.S. five-cent coin.
Nickel as a Metallic Element
Nickel is a fascinating element with unique properties that make it invaluable across many industries. As defined, it is a silver-white, hard metallic element that can be hammered and shaped and is capable of a high polish, resistant to wearing away, and used chiefly in alloys.
Key Properties of Elemental Nickel
- Appearance: Nickel possesses a distinctive silver-white metallic luster, making it attractive for various finishes.
- Durability: It is known for its hardness and exceptional resistance to wearing away, including corrosion and oxidation, even at high temperatures.
- Malleability & Ductility: Nickel can be easily hammered into thin sheets (malleable) and drawn into fine wires (ductile) without breaking, allowing for versatile manufacturing.
- Polish: Its ability to achieve a high polish contributes to its use in decorative applications and as a protective coating.
- Ferromagnetism: Nickel is one of only four elements that are ferromagnetic at room temperature, meaning it can be strongly magnetized.
Common Applications
Elemental nickel plays a crucial role in modern technology and manufacturing due to its robust properties.
- Alloys: This is nickel's primary use. It is a vital component in many high-performance alloys, including:
- Stainless Steel: Nickel enhances the corrosion resistance, strength, and ductility of stainless steel.
- Superalloys: Used in extreme environments such as jet engines and gas turbines, these alloys maintain strength and corrosion resistance at very high temperatures.
- Specialized Alloys: Found in a wide array of applications, from marine hardware to chemical processing equipment.
- Batteries: Nickel compounds are integral to rechargeable battery technologies, such as nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, powering everything from portable electronics to hybrid vehicles.
- Plating: Due to its corrosion resistance and attractive finish, nickel is commonly used for electroplating other metals, providing a protective and decorative layer on items like faucets, tools, and automotive parts.
- Coinage: Its durability and wear resistance also make it suitable for coin production, preventing excessive wear and counterfeiting.
For more in-depth information, you can explore the Wikipedia page on Nickel (element).
The U.S. Five-Cent Coin (The Nickel)
Beyond its elemental form, "nickel" (and sometimes spelled "nickle," as noted in some contexts) most commonly refers to the U.S. five-cent piece. This coin is an integral part of American currency, valued at US$0.05.
Coin Specifications
The U.S. nickel has specific characteristics that define its physical form:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Value | Five Cents (US$0.05) |
| Composition | Made of nickel and copper (specifically, 75% copper and 25% nickel, known as cupronickel) |
| Weight | 5.00 grams |
| Diameter | 21.21 mm |
| Edge | Smooth |
Historical Context and Design
The U.S. five-cent coin has a rich history, with its composition and design evolving over time:
- Early Five-Cent Pieces: Before 1866, five-cent coins were typically small silver coins known as "half dimes."
- Introduction of the Nickel: The first copper-nickel five-cent coin was introduced in 1866, known as the "Shield Nickel." This marked the beginning of nickel's prominent role in U.S. coinage due to its hardiness.
- Prominent Designs:
- The Buffalo Nickel (1913-1938) is famous for its depiction of a Native American on one side and an American bison on the other.
- The Jefferson Nickel, first minted in 1938, features Thomas Jefferson on the obverse (front) and his home, Monticello, on the reverse (back). Modern versions have seen minor design changes, particularly for the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase.
To learn more about the history and designs of the U.S. nickel, visit the U.S. Mint's official page on the Nickel.
Distinguishing "Nickel" and "Nickle"
While "nickel" is the standard and correct spelling for both the metallic element and the U.S. five-cent coin, the alternative spelling "nickle" has historically been used, particularly in informal contexts or older references when referring specifically to the coin. The provided reference explicitly confirms this usage for the U.S. five-cent piece. For clarity and standard communication, "nickel" is universally preferred.
