Question

What is the utility of manganese?

Hint:

Remember the 4 big uses: \textbf{Steel, Cells, Chemicals, Glass} (SCCG).

Answer 1

Step 1: Dominant use.
About 85–90% of manganese goes to the iron & steel industry as an alloying element (ferro-manganese, silico-manganese). It acts as a deoxidizer & desulfurizer, improving strength & hardness of steel and rails.
Step 2: Chemical & battery uses.
Manganese dioxide (MnO\textsubscript{2}) is used in dry-cell batteries; potassium permanganate (KMnO\textsubscript{4}) is used as an oxidizing/bleaching/disinfecting agent.
Step 3: Glass & metallurgy.
Used to decolourize glass and as a colorant; also in non-ferrous alloys (Al-Mn) and welding electrodes.
Step 4: Agriculture.
Acts as a micronutrient in fertilizers for certain crops/soils.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Therefore, manganese is crucial for steel-making, batteries, chemicals, glass/alloys, and as an agri-micronutrient.