Polonium (Po): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Polonium is element 84 on the periodic table, a metalloid, with properties between metals and nonmetals. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DPolonium quick facts
| Atomic number | 84 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Po |
| Atomic mass | 209 |
| Category | Metalloid |
| Group and period | Group 16, period 6 |
| Block | p-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p⁴ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 6 |
| Discovered | 1898, Marie & Pierre Curie |
What is polonium used for?
- Anti-static devices (alpha emitter)
- Nuclear weapon triggers (neutron initiator)
- Thermoelectric power sources
Interesting facts about polonium
- Named by Marie Curie after her homeland Poland
- Alexander Litvinenko was assassinated in 2006 using polonium-210 in his tea
- A gram of polonium-210 generates 140 watts of heat from its radioactive decay
Polonium was discovered in 1898 by Marie & Pierre Curie in France.
Where polonium sits on the periodic table
Polonium is in group 16, period 6. Tap any element to open its page.
Other metalloids
Polonium questions
What is the atomic number of polonium?
Polonium has atomic number 84, so every polonium atom has 84 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Po and its atomic mass is 209.
Is polonium a metal?
Polonium is a metalloid, with properties between metals and nonmetals. On the periodic table it is grouped as a metalloid, found in group 16, period 6.
What is the electron configuration of polonium?
The electron configuration of polonium is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p⁴. Its electrons sit in 6 shells: 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 6.
What is polonium used for?
Polonium is used for anti-static devices (alpha emitter), nuclear weapon triggers (neutron initiator) and thermoelectric power sources.
Who discovered polonium?
Polonium was discovered in 1898 by Marie & Pierre Curie in France.
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