Element Family
Post-Transition
Lanthanide
Space Group Name
Pm-3m
P63/mmc
Interesting Facts
- Polonium was the first radioactive element to be discovered.
- Polonium element and its compounds are highly radioactive.
- Its alloy with Beryllium provides source of neutrons.
- Lanthanum metal is highly malleable, ductile and sectile.
- If exposed to air Lanthanum metal oxidizes rapidly.
Sources
Mining, Ores of metals
Found in Minerals, Mining, Ores of Minerals
Who Discovered
Pierre Curie and Marie Curie
Carl Gustaf Mosander
Discovery
In 1898
In 1838
Abundance In Meteorites
-
Abundance In Earth's Crust
Uses & Benefits
- Polonium metal has different Allotropes, it is used in antistatic devices and for research purpose.
- A 1 gram of Polonium can reach a temperature of 500°C, hence it is used as a heat source for space equipment.
- It has no commercial uses, but its alloys are in high demand. Lanthanum and Nickel alloy is used for the hydrogen gas storage.
- The best-known use for mischmetal alloy of Lanthanum is; as a ‘flints’ for cigarette lighters.
Industrial Uses
Aerospace Industry, Ammunition Industry
Electrical Industry, Electronic Industry
Other Uses
Alloys
Alloys, Mirror Manufacturing
Toxicity
Highly Toxic
Low Toxic
Present in Human Body
No
Yes
Physical State
Solid
Solid
Color
Silver
Silvery White
α Allotropes
α-polonium
-
β Allotropes
β-polonium
-
Pauling Electronegativity
Sanderson Electronegativity
Allred Rochow Electronegativity
Mulliken-Jaffe Electronegativity
Pauling Electropositivity
Electrochemical Equivalent
Other Chemical Properties
Ionization, Radioactive Isotopes, Solubility
Ionization, Radioactive Isotopes, Solubility
Electron Configuration
[Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p4
[Xe] 5d2 6s2
Crystal Structure
Monoclinic (MON)
Double Hexagonal Close Packed (DHCP)
Crystal Lattice
MON-Crystal-Structure-of-Polonium.jpg#100
DHCP-Crystal-Structure-of-Lanthanum.jpg#100
Valence Electron Potential
Lattice Angles
π/2, π/2, π/2
π/2, π/2, 2 π/3
Density At Room Temperature
Density When Liquid (at m.p.)
Other Mechanical Properties
-
Ductile
Magnetic Ordering
Nonmagnetic
Paramagnetic
Electrical Property
Conductor
Conductor