Radium
WARNING: Radioactive!
Basic Information
Symbol: Ra
Atomic Number: 88
Atomic Weight: 226.03
Periodic Table Group: 2
Periodic Table Period: 7
Color: White (Black when exposed to Oxygen)
Classification: Metalic
History
Radium was first discovered by Pierre and Marie Curie in 1898, in France. The word Radium originates from the Latin word "radius" meaning ray. Radium was then isolated by Mme in 1911.
Uses
Since Radium is radioactive, it is not used for much. Though it is in self-luminous paints and multiple medical uses such as chemotherapy.
Description
Radium is naturally white, though if it is exposed to oxygen it turns black. Also, it is put over a flame, the flame will turn a redish color. It is also able to decompose in water. Radium is also very radioactive!
Biology
Radium does not have a biological role
Geology
Radium is found naturally in uranium. These uranium ores can be found in Zaire, Australia, Canada, and in the United States of America.
Properties
Radium is very radioactive, if you were to come in contact with radium you would be extremely vulnerable to dangerous diseases like cancer. Its melting point is roughly 700 degrees celcius or 1292 degrees fahrenheit. Radium's density is 5000 kg/m and it has a total of 88 electrons (amount in each shells= 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 8, 2). Radium is about one million times more radioactive than the same amount of mass of Uranium!
Interesting Facts
Radium is about 1,000,000 times more radioactive than the same amount of mass of uranium! There isnt much else that is very interesting about an element...