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Origin / Meaning of the name Polonium
The name originates
from Poland the home of Marie Curie. Madame Curie was born Maria
Sklodowski in Warsaw, Poland in 1867.
Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Polonium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States
of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Polonium is classified as a "Metalloid" element and is located in
Groups 13, 14,15, 16 and 17 of the Periodic Table. An element
classified as one of the Metalloids has
the properties of both metals and
Non-Metals. Some are semi-conductors and can carry an electrical
charge making them useful in calculators and computers. Nearly 75%
of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as
metals which are detailed in the
List of Metals.
Facts about the
Discovery and
History of the Polonium
Element Polonium was discovered by
Marie Curie and Pierre Curie
in 1898
History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief
History of the
Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous
scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of
the Periodic Table.
Occurrence of the Polonium Element
A very rare element in nature Obtained from pitchblende, decay of radium
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe N/A
% in Sun N/A % in Meteorites N/A % in Earth's Crust N/A
% in Oceans 2×10-18% % in Humans None
Associated Uses of Polonium
Thermoelectric power in space satellites To eliminate static charges Removes dust from photographic films |