Hello and welcome to Teach Kids Chemistry! Today, we will be discussing the periodic element polonium. Polonium is a rare and highly radioactive element that was discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898. It is a silvery-gray metal that is found in uranium ores and is used in nuclear reactors and weapons. Despite its dangerous properties, polonium has some interesting applications in science and medicine. Let’s dive in and learn more about this fascinating element!
The Periodic Element Polonium Overview
Polonium is a chemical element with the symbol Po and atomic number 84. It is a highly radioactive metal that was discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898. The atomic mass of polonium is 209, and it has 125 neutrons, 84 protons, and 84 electrons. It belongs to period 6 and group 16 of the periodic table. Polonium is a metal and is located in the p-block of the periodic table. It has a high electronegativity of 2.0 and a specific heat capacity of 26.4 J/mol·K. The melting point of polonium is 254°C, and the boiling point is 962°C. The density of polonium is 9.196 g/cm³.Polonium is a rare and highly toxic element that is not found in nature in large quantities. It is produced by the decay of radium and is used in various industrial and scientific applications, including as a heat source in space probes and as a static eliminator in industrial processes. Due to its high radioactivity, polonium is a significant health hazard and can cause radiation sickness and cancer if ingested or inhaled. Despite its toxicity, polonium has some medical applications, including in cancer treatment and as a radiation source for certain medical procedures. Overall, polonium is a fascinating and important element that has played a significant role in the development of modern science and technology.
Everyday objects that contain the periodic element polonium?
There are many everyday objects that contain chemicals or compounds that can be used to teach chemistry concepts. For example, baking soda and vinegar can be used to demonstrate chemical reactions and the production of carbon dioxide gas. Salt and sugar can be used to teach about solubility and the properties of solutions. Water can be used to teach about the properties of liquids and the concept of polarity. Additionally, household cleaning products such as bleach and ammonia can be used to teach about chemical reactions and the importance of safety when handling chemicals. By using everyday objects, students can better understand the relevance of chemistry in their daily lives.
Differences in the periodic element polonium 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 polonium dangerous or radioactive?
Yes, polonium is a highly radioactive element and is considered to be one of the most toxic substances known to man. It is a rare and highly unstable element that emits alpha particles, which can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. Polonium is commonly found in tobacco smoke and is also used in various industrial applications, including nuclear reactors and weapons. Due to its high toxicity, polonium is strictly regulated and handled with extreme caution in laboratory and industrial settings.
Is the periodic element polonium rare and expensive?
Yes, polonium is a rare and expensive element. It is a highly radioactive metal that is found in uranium ores and is produced by bombarding bismuth with neutrons. Due to its high radioactivity, it is difficult to handle and transport, which adds to its cost. Additionally, polonium has limited commercial applications, which further contributes to its rarity and expense. Despite its high cost, polonium has been used in various fields, including nuclear physics, medicine, and industry.
Learn about all the elements with a periodic table!