Hello and welcome to Teach Kids Chemistry! Today, we will be discussing the fascinating element known as einsteinium. Named after the famous physicist Albert Einstein, this element has a unique place in the periodic table due to its radioactive properties. Despite being a man-made element, einsteinium has important applications in nuclear research and medicine. Join us as we explore the properties and uses of this intriguing element in a simple and non-complex manner.
The Periodic Element Einsteinium Overview
Einsteinium is a synthetic element with the atomic number 99 and the symbol Es. Its atomic mass is 252. It has 99 protons and electrons, and its number of neutrons varies between isotopes. Einsteinium is located in period 7 and group 3 of the periodic table. It is a member of the actinide series and is a radioactive metal. Einsteinium has an electronegativity of 1.3 and a specific heat capacity of 0.1 J/g·K. Its melting point is estimated to be around 860°C, and its boiling point is around 996°C. The density of einsteinium is 8.84 g/cm³.Einsteinium was first discovered in 1952 during the analysis of the debris from the first hydrogen bomb test. It is produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons in a nuclear reactor. Einsteinium has no known biological role and is highly toxic due to its radioactivity. Due to its rarity and high cost of production, einsteinium has no practical applications. However, it is used in scientific research to study the properties of heavy elements and their behavior in nuclear reactions.
Everyday objects that contain the periodic element einsteinium?
There are many everyday objects that contain chemicals or chemical compounds. For example, water is a chemical compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H2O). Salt, which is commonly used in cooking, is a compound made up of sodium and chloride ions (NaCl). Baking soda, which is used in baking and cleaning, is a compound made up of sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen (NaHCO3). Vinegar, which is used in cooking and cleaning, is a solution of acetic acid (CH3COOH) and water. These are just a few examples of everyday objects that contain chemicals or chemical compounds.
Differences in the periodic element einsteinium across states of matter
The state of an element can vary greatly depending on its temperature and pressure. At standard temperature and pressure (STP), most elements are either solids or gases. Solids have a fixed shape and volume, while gases have neither. As temperature and pressure increase, some solids can become liquids, which have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container. As temperature and pressure continue to increase, some liquids can become gases, which have neither a fixed shape nor volume. At extremely high temperatures and pressures, some gases can become plasmas, which are highly ionized and conductive. Plasmas are often found in stars and lightning bolts, and have unique properties such as the ability to emit light.
Is the periodic element einsteinium dangerous or radioactive?
Yes, einsteinium is both dangerous and radioactive. It is a synthetic element that was first discovered in the debris of the first hydrogen bomb test in 1952. It is highly unstable and has a very short half-life, meaning that it decays quickly and releases harmful radiation. Due to its radioactivity, it is extremely hazardous to handle and can cause severe health problems if ingested or inhaled. Therefore, it is not used in any practical applications and is only studied for scientific research purposes.
Is the periodic element einsteinium rare and expensive?
Yes, einsteinium is a rare and expensive element. It is a synthetic element that is not found naturally on Earth and can only be produced in small quantities through nuclear reactions. Its high radioactivity also makes it difficult to handle and study. Due to its rarity and limited production, einsteinium is primarily used for scientific research purposes and is not readily available for commercial use.
Learn about all the elements with a periodic table!