Polonium

Description

A rare radioactive metallic element. Polonium occurs as a product of Uranium decay. It occurs in pitchblende and was the first radioactive substance discovered by Marie Curie in 1898. Polonium emits alpha particles that are used for generating power, measuring moisture, calibrating instruments, and for dissipating static electricity in textile coating machines and electrical equipment. Polonium is also used in nuclear research, printing, and photography.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Po

Risks

• Radiation hazard.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Soluble in sulfuric acid, nitric acid, aqua regia, hydrochloric acid.

Composition	Po (atomic no. 84)
Melting Point	254 C
Density	9.2-9.4 g/ml
Molecular Weight	atomic wt = 210
Boiling Point	962 C