Hello and welcome to Teach Kids Chemistry! Today, we will be discussing the fascinating element known as promethium. Promethium is a rare earth element that is not found naturally on Earth. It was first discovered in 1945 and is commonly used in nuclear batteries and as a source of beta radiation. Despite its many uses, promethium is not commonly known among the general public. So, let’s dive in and learn more about this unique element!
The Periodic Element Promethium Overview
Promethium is a rare earth element with the atomic number 61 and symbol Pm. Its atomic mass is 145, and it has 84 neutrons, 61 protons, and 61 electrons. It belongs to period 6 and group 3 of the periodic table. Promethium is a metal and is in a solid phase at room temperature. It has an electronegativity of 1.13 and a specific heat capacity of 17.9 J/g·K. The melting point of promethium is 1,046 °C, and its boiling point is 3,000 °C. The density of promethium is 7.26 g/cm³.Promethium is a rare earth element that is not found naturally on Earth. It is a radioactive element and has no stable isotopes. Promethium is used in nuclear batteries, as a source of beta radiation, and in luminous paint. Due to its rarity and radioactivity, promethium has limited practical applications. However, it is an important element in the study of nuclear chemistry and has contributed to the development of nuclear technology.
Everyday objects that contain the periodic element promethium?
There are many everyday objects that contain chemicals or compounds that can be used to teach chemistry concepts. For example, water is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and can be used to teach about chemical formulas and the properties of different elements. Salt, which is made up of sodium and chlorine, can be used to teach about ionic bonding and the properties of salts. Baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate, can be used to teach about chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases. Other examples include vinegar, which is acetic acid, and sugar, which is a carbohydrate. By using these everyday objects, students can learn about chemistry concepts in a simple and non-complex manner.
Differences in the periodic element promethium 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 promethium dangerous or radioactive?
Yes, promethium is a radioactive element and can be dangerous if not handled properly. It is a rare earth metal and has no stable isotopes. Its most stable isotope, promethium-145, has a half-life of only 17.7 years, which means it decays over time and emits radiation. Promethium is primarily used in nuclear batteries, which are used to power spacecraft and other remote devices. However, due to its radioactivity, it must be handled with care and proper safety precautions must be taken when working with it.
Is the periodic element promethium rare and expensive?
Yes, promethium is a rare and expensive element. It is a synthetic element that is not found naturally on Earth and can only be produced in nuclear reactors or particle accelerators. Its rarity and difficulty in production make it one of the most expensive elements, with a cost of around $1000 per gram. Due to its high cost and limited availability, promethium is not commonly used in everyday applications and is primarily used in research and scientific experiments.
Learn about all the elements with a periodic table!