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Definition of the Radium Element
A rare, brilliant white, luminescent, highly radioactive
metallic element found in very small amounts in uranium ores,
having 13 isotopes with mass numbers between 213 and 230, of which
radium 226 with a half-life of 1,622 years is the most common. It
is used in cancer radiotherapy, as a neutron source for some
research purposes, and as a constituent of luminescent paints.
Origin / Meaning of the name Radium
The name originates from
the Latin word radius meaning ray
Classification of the Radium Element
Radium is classified
as an "Alkaline Earth Metals" which are located in Group 2
elements of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as an
Alkaline Earth Metals are found in the Earth’s crust, but not in
the elemental form as they are so reactive. Instead, they are
widely distributed in rock structures.
Facts about the History of the Radium
Element
Radium was discovered by
Marie Curie and her husband Pierre Curie in 1898 in pitchblende
found in Joachimsthal, North Bohemia. The Curies removed uranium
from the pitchblend and found that the remaining material was
still radioactive. Radium was isolated into its pure metal by
Marie and Pierre Curie and Andre Debierne in 1902. Handling of
radium has since been blamed for Marie Curie's premature death.
Occurrence the Radium Element
Obtained from uranium ores
Found in USA, Canada, New Mexico, Australia and Africa
Uses of Radium
Treating cancer
Luminescent paints
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