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polonium [Po]
Named for Poland, the native country of Marie Curie. Discovered by Marie Curie & Pierre Curris in 1898 while studying pitchblende.
Occurrence:
1) obtained mainly from radioactive decay of uranium & thorium
2) pitchblende & radium-lead residues
Characteristics:
1) silvery, radioactive metallic element
2) similar chemically to tellurium & bismuth
3) disintegrates emitting a helium nucleus to form an isotope of lead; also emits neutrons & alpha-radiation
4) volatile: about 1/2 of a sample will evaporate in 2 days at 55 degress C
5) dissolves readily in dilute acids
6) only slightly soluble in alkali
7) extremely radioactive & toxic
Uses:
1) nuclear batteries
2) antistatic agents
3) film cleaners
4) source of neutrons & alpha-radiation
5) lightweight heat supply for space satellites
Related
periodic table
General
radioactive element
Properties
SIZE: AW = 209.98
atomic number
VALUE: 84
VALENCE: XE 4F14 5D10 6S2 6P4
Database Correlations
PUBCHEM cid=23941
References
- Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Miriam-
Webster Inc. Springfield, MA 1990
- Chemical & Engineering News, Sept 8, 2003