What is Radium?
Radium is the sixth element in the second column of the periodic table. It is the heaviest of the alkaline earth metals. The Radium atom has 88 electrons and 88 protons with 2 valence electrons in the outermost shell.
Characteristics and Properties
Under normal conditions, radium is a silver metal. It is very radioactive and emits light rays that make it glow in the dark. When exposed to air, it rapidly forms a black layer by reacting with nitrogen in the air. It also readily reacts with other elements and substances, including water.
The radiation emitted by radium is extremely dangerous. It is a million times more radioactive than uranium. Overexposure to radium can cause cancer and possibly death. Marie Curie, one of the first scientists to work with radium, eventually died from overexposure to radiation.
Highlights of Radium:
| Symbol | Ra |
| Atomic Number | 88 |
| Atomic Weight | 226 |
| Classification | Alkaline earth metal |
| Phase at Room Temperature | Solid |
| Density | 5.5 grams per cm cubed |
| Melting Point | 700°C, 1292°F |
| Boiling Point | 1140°C, 2084°F |
| Discovered by | Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898 |
Where is Radium found on Earth?
Radium is an extremely rare element on Earth. It is found in uranium ores. It takes about 7 tons of ore to produce one gram of radium. It is produced as a by-product of uranium mining. Because it is so dangerous, only a few ounces are produced each year.
How is Radium used today?
When radium was first discovered, it had a number of applications. It is used in paints that will shine. These paints are used on watches, wristwatches and tools so that people can see them in the dark. Other uses include cancer treatment, toothpaste and research experiments.
Today, radium is not widely used in industry due to its hazardous radioactive properties.
How was Radium discovered?
Marie Curie and her husband Pierre discovered the element while experimenting with a mineral called pitchblende in 1898. It took Marie Curie another 12 years to finally isolate the metal radium in 1910.
Where did Radium get its name?
The name comes from the Latin word “radius” which means radius. They named it after the rays emitted by the element.
Isotopes
There are four naturally occurring isotopes of radium. At most radium-226 has a half-life of 1600 years. No isotopes are stable. They are both created by the decay of the elements uranium and thorium.
Interesting Facts about Radium
The element “curium” is named after the discoverers of radium.
Marie Curie also discovered the element polonium while experimenting with pitchblende.
Before the dangers of radiation were understood, radium was called the wonder metal because it gave off heat and light.
Radium is part of a decay chain where it will slowly decay to radon, then polonium, and finally lead.
The unit of radioactivity is called the “curie” after two scientists Marie and Pierre Curie.