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Barium metal rapidly oxidizes when exposed to regular air

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Barium is incredibly needy when it comes to oxygen. Cut a chunk of pure, shiny barium metal, and within mere seconds, it turns dull and black as it furiously reacts with the air to form barium oxide. It's frequently used in vacuum tubes as a 'getter' to chemically trap and remove the last tiny, stubborn traces of oxygen.

Barium metal rapidly oxidizes when exposed to regular air
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