Nickel (atomic number 28) resembles iron (atomic number 26) in strength and toughness but is more like copper (atomic number 29) in resistance to oxidation and corrosion, a combination accounting for many of its applications. Nickel has high electrical and thermal conductivity.

Atomic Structure:

The nucleus consists of 28 protons (red) and 31 neutrons (orange). 28 electrons (white) successively occupy available electron shells (rings).

For centuries, miners stumbled upon nickel-containing ores, mistaking them for valuable copper due to their similar appearance. This frustration even led to the element's name. "Kupfernickel," meaning "copper-nickel" in German, was a term laced with miners' annoyance at finding "deceptive little spirits" instead of their desired copper.

Nickel is used in batteries, including rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries used in hybrid vehicles.

Some of the benefits of using nickel are:

• While not abundant, nickel can be found in various minerals like pentlandite and garnierite. These minerals are often found in deposits, which can then be mined to extract the nickel.
• These potato-sized lumps on the ocean floor contain various metals, including nickel. However, harvesting them raises environmental concerns, so this is not a common source at present.
• Traces of nickel can be found in some meteorites, offering clues about the element's presence in our solar system. Studying these extraterrestrial sources can help us understand the formation and evolution of planets.

Nickel is a hard silver white metal, which forms cubic crystals. It is malleable, ductile, and has superior strength and corrosion resistance. The metal is a fair conductor of heat and electricity and exhibits magnetic properties below 345°C.