mendelevium
Definition
Mendelevium is a chemical element with the symbol Md and atomic number 101. It is a synthetic element, meaning it has never been found in nature. It was first created in 1955 by a team of scientists at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia.
Mendelevium is made by colliding atoms of californium-252 with atoms of carbon-12. The collision produces a very unstable atom of mendelevium, which quickly decays into other elements.
Mendelevium is a very heavy element, with a mass that is about 250 times the mass of a hydrogen atom. It is also a very dense element, with a density that is about 10 times the density of lead.
Mendelevium is a very radioactive element, with a half-life of only 200 days. This means that half of the mendelevium atoms that are created will decay into other elements in 200 days.
Mendelevium is named after Dmitri Mendeleev, the Russian chemist who created the periodic table of elements. Mendeleev predicted the existence of mendelevium in 1869, even though it was not discovered until 86 years later.
Mendelevium is a very important element in the study of nuclear physics. By studying mendelevium, scientists can learn more about the properties of heavy elements and the process of nuclear fission.
How can the word be used?
Mendelevium is a synthetic element that was first created in 1955.
Different forms of the word
Noun: A synthetic element with the atomic number 101 and the symbol Md. It is named after the Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev, who predicted the existence of this element in the 19th century.
Adjective: Relating to or containing mendelevium.
Verb: To synthesize mendelevium.
Etymology
The word "mendelevium" is named after the Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev, who is known as the "father of the periodic table". Mendeleev predicted the existence of several elements that had not yet been discovered, including mendelevium.
Question
What is mendelevium and how can it be used?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Define mendelevium and discuss its significance in the periodic table. Explain how mendelevium was first synthesised and the challenges associated with its production and study.
Answer:
Mendelevium (Md) is a synthetic element with the atomic number 101, symbolised as Md. It is part of the actinide series, a group of elements found in the bottom row of the periodic table. Mendelevium is named after the Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev, who developed the periodic table's initial version.
The synthesis of mendelevium was first achieved in 1955 by a team of American scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. They created mendelevium-256 through the bombardment of einsteinium-253 with alpha particles. This method involved complex nuclear reactions and required specialised equipment to detect and confirm the presence of the newly synthesised element.
Mendelevium is highly radioactive and has a very short half-life, making its study and characterisation challenging. Due to its scarcity and limited availability, only trace amounts of mendelevium have been produced, hindering in-depth investigation.
The significance of mendelevium lies in its contribution to our understanding of heavy elements and their properties. Its position in the periodic table showcases the intricate relationship between atomic structure and behaviour. Although mendelevium's practical applications are limited due to its instability, its synthesis has expanded our knowledge of nuclear physics and advanced the development of experimental techniques for studying superheavy elements.