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Iodide

physical science Maturity 7-9 Next article →

Iodide is a very important part of our world. It is a tiny piece called an ion. You can find it in iodized salt. Many governments require this in salt to keep people healthy. Without enough iodine, two billion people may face problems. It is a leading cause of intellectual disability that we can prevent.

Iodide is a very large piece. Its radius is about 206 picometers. This makes it much bigger than other pieces. For example, chloride is only 181 picometers. Because it is so large, it forms weak bonds. Most iodide salts dissolve well in water. However, they do not dissolve as easily as chlorides.

Scientists use certain tests to find iodide. They add silver nitrate to a liquid. This can create a yellow precipitate. A precipitate is a solid that forms in a liquid. Silver iodide is a yellow powder. It is used in silver-based photographic film. This film is photoactive, which means it reacts to light.

Iodide also works as a reducing agent. This is a way to describe an antioxidant. An antioxidant helps stop harm from oxygen. Iodide can destroy things like ozone. It can also destroy hydrogen peroxide. This helps in the way the body makes natural products. One vital product is thyroxine. This is a pale yellow hormone for human health.

Nature provides iodide in different ways. One common mineral is called iodargyrite. This mineral is made of crystalline silver iodide. You can also find iodide with mercury or copper. However, those minerals are very scarce. Iodine can also take different forms called oxidation states. These include hypoiodite, iodite, iodate, and periodate.

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