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

The Properties of the Polonium Element
Name of Element : Polonium (also called Radium F)
Symbol of Element : Po
Atomic Number of Polonium : 84
Atomic Mass: (209.0) amu
Melting Point: 254.0 °C - 527.15 °K
Boiling Point:  962.0 °C - 1235.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Polonium : 84
Number of Neutrons in Polonium : 125
Crystal Structure: Monoclinic
Density @ 293 K: 9.4 g/cm3
Color of Polonium : Unknown

Polonium as on the Periodic Table
Check out Polonium on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Polonium as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

Other elements classified as Metalloids
The other elements contained in the classification of Metalloids are as follows:

• Boron
• Silicon
• Germanium
• Arsenic
• Antimony
• Tellurium

What is Polonium - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Polonium is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Polonium with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Polonium and each of the other elements including the Periodic Symbol,  group, classification, properties and atomic number which is often referred to as the Periodic Table Number. Test your knowledge of chemistry and the Periodic Table by completing the Element Symbols and Atomic Numbers on our Blank Periodic Table. Chemistry students will also find a helpful section on Chemical Formulas.