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Definition of the Promethium Element
A radioactive metallic
element of the rare-earth group obtained as a fission product of
uranium or from neutron-irradiated neodymium.
Origin / Meaning of the name Promethium
The name originates
from Prometheus from Greek mythology, who stole the fire of the
sky and gave it to mankind.
Classification of the Promethium Element
Promethium
classified as an element in the Lanthanide series as one of the
"Rare Earth Elements" which can located in Group 3 elements of the
Periodic Table and in the 6th and 7th periods. The Rare Earth
Elements are divided into the Lanthanide and Actinide series. The
elements in the Lanthanide series closely resemble lanthanum, and
one another, in their chemical and physical properties. Their
compounds are used as catalysts in the production of petroleum and
synthetic products.
The
Discovery of Promethium
Promethium was discovered by
Jacob A. Marinsky, Lawrence E. Glendenin and Charles D. Coryell
in 1946
Facts about the History of the Promethium
Element
Properties within each individual group are similar, but
nevertheless vary within a group. Generally chemical activity
decreases as the period increases a non-metal group and increases
as the period increases within a metal group. The first element in
a group is always an active metal, the last is always an inactive
non-metal.
Occurrence the Promethium Element
Promethium does not naturally occur on earth
Identified in the spectrum of the star HR465 in Andromeda.
Associated Uses of Promethium
Nuclear batteries
Light sources
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