Polonium

alpha po lattice

Polonium is a chemical element with the symbol Po and atomic number 210. It is a rare and highly radioactive metal with no stable isotopes. Polonium was first discovered in 1898 by Marie Curie and Pierre Curie and was named after Poland, Marie Curie's homeland. This element is notable for its intense radioactivity and has been used in various applications, including heaters in spacecraft and as a source of neutrons and alpha particles.

Properties

Polonium is a metal that exists in two allotropes. The alpha form is the only one that is stable at standard conditions for temperature and pressure (STP). It is a silvery material that has the ability to become volatile at slightly higher temperatures. This property makes it significantly hazardous, as it can be inhaled or ingested. Polonium's most notable feature is its radioactivity, which results from the decay of its isotopes. Polonium-210 is the most widely known isotope due to its use in nuclear weapons and potential use in radiological dispersal devices, or "dirty bombs".

Discovery

The discovery of polonium was a significant milestone in the field of radiochemistry. Marie and Pierre Curie discovered it while investigating the cause of uranium's radioactivity. Their research led them to conclude that the mineral pitchblende contained a substance that was far more radioactive than uranium itself. This substance was eventually isolated and identified as polonium, which was the first element to be discovered through its radioactivity.

Applications

Despite its dangers, polonium has several applications. It has been used as a lightweight heat source in satellites and lunar rovers, taking advantage of the heat released by its radioactive decay. Additionally, polonium is used in devices that eliminate static charges in machinery and in dust-free rooms. However, due to its high radioactivity and the associated health risks, the use of polonium is highly regulated and confined to areas where its benefits outweigh the potential dangers.

Health Risks

Exposure to polonium is extremely dangerous, and it is considered a carcinogen. It emits alpha radiation, which is not penetrating and cannot pass through the skin, but if ingested or inhaled, it can cause severe radiation poisoning. The most famous case of polonium poisoning is the assassination of Alexander Litvinenko, a former KGB agent, in 2006, which brought public attention to the risks associated with this element.

See Also

• Radioactivity
• Marie Curie
• Nuclear weapon
• Radiation poisoning