Hello and welcome to Teach Kids Chemistry! Today, we will be exploring the fascinating element known as radium. Radium is a highly radioactive element that was discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898. It has a unique history and properties that make it an important element in the field of chemistry. Join us as we dive into the world of radium and learn about its atomic structure, properties, and uses. Let’s get started!
The Periodic Element Radium Overview
Radium is a chemical element with the symbol Ra and atomic number 88. It is a highly radioactive metal that is silvery-white in color. Radium has an atomic mass of 226.03 u and its nucleus contains 138 neutrons and 88 protons. It has 88 electrons in its shells. Radium is located in period 7 and group 2 of the periodic table. It is a member of the alkaline earth metals and is highly reactive, especially with water and oxygen. Radium is a solid at room temperature and is classified as a metal. Its electronegativity is 0.9, which is relatively low. Radium has a specific heat capacity of 94.5 J/(kg·K), which is relatively high. Its melting point is 700°C and its boiling point is 1,737°C. Radium has a density of 5.5 g/cm³.Due to its high radioactivity, radium is extremely dangerous and can cause serious health problems if ingested or inhaled. It was once used in luminous paints, but its use has been discontinued due to its health risks. Radium is also used in cancer treatment, but its use is highly regulated and controlled. Despite its dangers, radium has played an important role in the development of nuclear physics and has contributed to our understanding of the structure of the atom.
Everyday objects that contain the periodic element radium?
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 aspirin, which is acetylsalicylic acid. By using everyday objects that contain chemicals, students can learn about chemistry concepts in a simple and relatable way.
Differences in the periodic element radium 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 radium dangerous or radioactive?
Yes, radium is both dangerous and radioactive. Radium is a highly radioactive element that emits alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Exposure to radium can cause serious health problems, including cancer, bone fractures, and other bone-related diseases. Radium was once used in a variety of consumer products, including luminous paints, but its use has been largely discontinued due to its health risks. Today, radium is primarily used in medical treatments and research. It is important to handle radium with extreme caution and follow proper safety protocols to minimize the risk of exposure.
Is the periodic element radium rare and expensive?
Yes, radium is a rare and expensive element. It is a highly radioactive metal that is found in very small quantities in the Earth’s crust. Radium was discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898 and was used extensively in the early 20th century for its radioactive properties. However, due to its high cost and health risks associated with its use, radium is no longer widely used. Today, radium is primarily used in research and medical applications, and its high cost reflects the difficulty in obtaining and handling this rare and dangerous element.
Learn about all the elements with a periodic table!