francium
Definition
Francium is a chemical element with the symbol Fr and atomic number 87. It is a highly radioactive element that is the heaviest alkali metal and the second-least electronegative element, behind only caesium. Francium is a highly unstable element with a half-life of only 22 minutes. It is also the rarest naturally occurring element, with an estimated abundance of only 200 grams in the Earth's crust.
Francium was first discovered in 1939 by Marguerite Perey, a French chemist. She was studying the decay products of actinium when she found a new element with a very short half-life. She named the element francium after France, her home country.
The most stable isotope of francium is francium-223, which has a half-life of 22 minutes. Francium-223 is produced by the decay of actinium-227.
Francium is a very reactive element and reacts with most other elements. It is also a very strong base and can react with water to form francium hydroxide.
Francium has no practical applications due to its extreme radioactivity. It is only used in scientific research.
How can the word be used?
Francium is the heaviest alkali metal.
Different forms of the word
Noun: francium, franciums.
Adjective: francium.
Adverb: franciumly.
Etymology
The word "francium" is named after France, where it was first discovered in 1939 by Marguerite Perey. The name "francium" is a combination of the Latin word Francus, which means "French", and the suffix -ium, which is commonly used to name chemical elements.
Question
Who discovered francium?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the properties and significance of francium as an element in the periodic table. Describe the unique characteristics of francium, including its extreme rarity and high reactivity. Provide real-life examples of how francium is studied and its potential applications in scientific research.
Answer:
Francium is an extremely rare and highly reactive element, making it one of the most elusive elements in the periodic table. It is a member of the alkali metal group, sharing similar properties with elements like caesium and potassium.
Due to its scarcity and extreme reactivity, francium is challenging to study directly. It is primarily produced in particle accelerators through nuclear reactions or decay processes. Its high reactivity causes it to react violently with air and water, making it difficult to observe and handle.
Francium's potential applications in scientific research are limited due to its short half-life and scarcity. However, its study provides valuable insights into nuclear physics and atomic structure, contributing to a better understanding of fundamental particles and their interactions.
In conclusion, while francium is not practically used in everyday applications, its study remains a fascinating field in scientific research, enriching our understanding of the natural world and the properties of the elements that make up our universe.