radium
Definition
Radium is a chemical element with the symbol Ra and atomic number 88. It is a silvery-white metal that is radioactive and highly toxic. Radium is found in small amounts in uranium ores.
Radium was discovered in 1898 by Marie and Pierre Curie. They were studying uranium ores and they found that one of the ores was giving off a lot of radiation. They named the new element radium because it gave off rays.
Radium is a highly radioactive element. It decays into other elements, such as radon and lead. This decay process releases energy in the form of radiation. Radiation can damage cells and tissues, and it can cause cancer.
Radium was used in a variety of products in the early 20th century, including glow-in-the-dark paint, watch dials, and medical treatments. However, it was eventually found to be too dangerous to use.
Today, radium is used in very small amounts in some medical treatments. It is also used in research.
Radium is a very dangerous element, but it can also be used for good. It is important to use radium safely and responsibly.
How can the word be used?
The radium dial on the watch glows in the dark.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
- a radioactive chemical element with the symbol Ra and atomic number 88.
- a radioactive substance that is used in medical treatments and in some industrial applications.
Etymology
The word "radium" comes from the Latin word "radius", which means "ray".
The first recorded use of the word "radium" was in 1898.
Question
What is radium used for?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Describe the properties and uses of radium in scientific and historical contexts, and discuss the potential hazards associated with its radioactivity.
Answer:
Radium is a radioactive element with the chemical symbol Ra and atomic number 88. It was historically known for its luminous properties, emitting a faint glow in the dark due to its radioactivity. Radium's luminescence was harnessed for various applications, such as painting watches and clock dials to make them visible at night, a practice popular in the early 20th century.
In scientific contexts, radium was used in early medical treatments due to its radioactive emissions. It was believed to have therapeutic properties, although later research revealed its harmful effects on human health, including the risk of radiation-induced illnesses like cancer.
Despite its historical uses, the potential hazards of radium's radioactivity far outweigh its benefits. Prolonged exposure to radium emissions can damage living tissues and DNA, leading to severe health issues. This was notably observed in cases of radium dial painters who suffered from radiation-related illnesses.
As our understanding of radiation's health effects improved, the use of radium in consumer products and medical treatments decreased significantly. Today, its usage is highly regulated and limited to specialised applications in research, industry, and medical fields where its radioactivity can be properly controlled and managed.