protactinium
Definition
Protactinium is an actinide element, which means that it is chemically similar to the element uranium. It is the 91st element on the periodic table, and it has 23 isotopes. The most stable isotope is protactinium-231, which has a half-life of 32,760 years.
Protactinium is a silvery-white metal that is very dense and has a high melting point. It is also very radioactive and can emit alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Protactinium is not found in nature, but it can be created in laboratories by bombarding uranium-235 with neutrons.
Protactinium is used in some research applications, such as studying the properties of radioactive elements and developing new nuclear power technologies. However, it is not used in any commercial products.
How can the word be used?
The name protactinium refers to the fact that it is the first element to emit alpha rays.
Different forms of the word
Noun: a radioactive chemical element with the symbol Pa and atomic number 91.
Adjective: relating to protactinium.
Etymology
The word "protactinium" is derived from the Greek words "protos" (first) and "aktinos" (ray).
The first recorded use of the word "protactinium" was in 1913.
Question
What does Pprotactinium look like?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Define protactinium and explain its role as a radioactive element. Discuss its occurrence, properties, and potential applications, considering its radioactivity.
Answer:
Protactinium is a radioactive chemical element with the atomic number 91 and symbol Pa. It is part of the actinide series and holds significance due to its radioactive properties.
Protactinium occurs naturally in trace amounts, primarily as protactinium-231. It is formed through the decay of uranium and thorium isotopes in uranium ores. Its scarcity and radioactivity make it challenging to obtain and handle.
Protactinium possesses several interesting properties, including its ability to emit alpha particles during decay. This radioactivity has both practical and hazardous implications. On one hand, protactinium's alpha emission can be harnessed for use in radioisotope thermoelectric generators, which convert its decay heat into electricity for space probes and satellites. On the other hand, its radioactivity poses health risks, requiring careful handling and containment.
Due to its scarcity and potential health hazards, protactinium's practical applications are limited. However, its study contributes to our understanding of radioactive decay processes and the behaviour of heavy elements. Protactinium exemplifies the complexities of radioactive materials and their unique roles in both scientific research and technological applications.