californium
Definition
Californium is a chemical element with the symbol Cf and atomic number 98. It is a radioactive element that was first synthesised in 1950 by Glenn Seaborg and his team at the University of California, Berkeley.
Californium is a member of the actinide series, and it is the sixth-heaviest element that has been created.
Californium is a very rare element, and there is only a very small amount of it in the world.
Californium is used in some medical treatments, such as the treatment of cancer, and in research.
Californium is also used in neutron sources, which are used to generate neutrons for research and industrial applications.
How can the word be used?
The scientists synthesized californium by bombarding curium with alpha particles.
Different forms of the word
Singular: californium.
Plural: californiums.
Possessive: californium's.
Etymology
The word "californium" comes from the name of the state of California, where it was first synthesized. The element was named by Glenn T. Seaborg, who was one of the scientists who discovered it.
Question
What is californium?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
What is "californium," and what is its significance in the context of the periodic table and radioactivity?
Answer:
Californium is a chemical element with the symbol Cf and atomic number 98. It is a transuranic element, meaning it has an atomic number higher than uranium (92). Californium is a synthetic element and is not found naturally on Earth.
Significance of Californium in the Periodic Table and Radioactivity:
Synthetic Element: Californium is created artificially through nuclear reactions in nuclear reactors or particle accelerators. Due to its synthetic nature, it is not found in significant quantities in the Earth's crust.
Radioactivity: Californium is highly radioactive and exhibits strong nuclear decay. It undergoes spontaneous radioactive decay, emitting alpha particles and neutrons. This property makes it valuable in various scientific and industrial applications, including neutron sources used in nuclear research and industrial gauges.
Nuclear Isotopes: Californium has various isotopes, with Californium-252 being one of the most notable. Californium-252 is widely used in neutron radiography, cancer treatment, and identifying gold and silver in ore analysis.
Research and Innovation: The unique properties of californium and other transuranic elements contribute to research in nuclear physics, materials science, and nuclear engineering, expanding our understanding of the fundamental properties of matter and advancing technology.