Sources of Polonium:
Polonium is a rare radioactive element that occurs naturally in the earth's crust. It is found in very small amounts in uranium ores and is produced by the decay of radium. Polonium is also produced artificially in nuclear reactors and particle accelerators.
Uses of Polonium:
Polonium has limited commercial uses due to its radioactive nature, but it has some specialized applications, including:
Industrial uses: Polonium is used in static eliminators, which are used to remove static charges from industrial processes, and in nuclear batteries.
Scientific research: Polonium is used in scientific research as a neutron source and as a radiation source for testing materials.
Cancer treatment: Polonium-210 is sometimes used in brachytherapy, a type of radiation therapy used to treat certain types of cancer.
Production of Polonium:
Polonium is produced through nuclear reactions, including the neutron irradiation of bismuth, which converts some of the bismuth into polonium. The polonium is then separated from the bismuth using chemical processes.
Chemical Properties of Polonium:
Polonium is a chemical element with the symbol Po and atomic number 84. It is a rare and highly radioactive metal. Some of the key chemical properties of polonium include:
Reactivity: Polonium is a very reactive element and can react with a variety of substances, including oxygen, acids, and bases.
Radioactivity: Polonium is highly radioactive and emits alpha particles, which can damage biological tissue.
Valence: Polonium can have different valences, including +2, +4, and +6.
Physical Properties of Polonium:
Polonium has a number of physical properties that make it unique, including:
State: Polonium is a solid metal at room temperature.
Melting point: Polonium has a relatively low melting point of 254°C.
Density: Polonium has a high density of 9.3 g/cm3.
Radioactivity: Polonium is highly radioactive and emits alpha particles, which can be dangerous to human health.