Mendelevium Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mendelevium
[mɛnˈdɛlɪviəm ]
Definition
chemical element
Mendelevium is a synthetic element with the symbol Md and atomic number 101. It is part of the actinide series and was named after the Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev, who is known for creating the periodic table. Mendelevium is radioactive and was first successfully produced in 1955 by a team of scientists at the University of California, Berkeley. Its isotopes are used in scientific research, but due to its rarity, there are no significant commercial applications.
Examples of usage
- The chemist studied mendelevium for its unique properties.
- Mendelevium was discovered during experiments with heavy ions.
- Researchers are investigating the behavior of mendelevium isotopes.
- Mendelevium is listed in the periodic table.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- Discovered in 1955 at the University of California, Berkeley, by a team of scientists led by Albert Ghiorso.
- It was created by bombarding einsteinium with alpha particles, a process requiring advanced technology.
Science and Technology
- Mendelevium is classified as an actinide, a series of elements that are radioactive and heavy.
- Due to its instability, it does not have significant commercial applications and is mainly used for research purposes.
Cultural Impact
- The discovery of mendelevium highlighted the capabilities of human innovation and the quest for understanding the building blocks of matter.
- Mendelevium’s discovery was a significant event in the history of chemistry, inspiring further research in synthetic elements.
Literature
- Science fiction often references synthetic elements like mendelevium as symbols of futuristic technology or power.
- Literature about the periodic table celebrates discoveries that lay the groundwork for modern chemistry.
Origin of 'mendelevium'
Main points about word origin
- The name 'mendelevium' is derived from Dmitri Mendeleev, known as the father of the periodic table.
- The suffix '-ium' is commonly used in chemistry to denote metallic elements.
The name 'mendelevium' was officially adopted in 1955, following its discovery by scientists Albert Ghiorso, Glenn T. Seaborg, and George A. Olah. It honors the famous scientist Dmitri Mendeleev, who is credited for developing the periodic law and creating a systematic method for categorizing elements. Mendelevium, with the atomic number 101, is found in the f-block of the periodic table, which is designated for actinides and lanthanides. As a synthetic element, mendelevium does not occur naturally and can only be produced in particle accelerators through nuclear reactions, typically involving americium or curium targets. Due to the challenges in its production and the limited availability of its isotopes, research on mendelevium is primarily conducted in specialized laboratories.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #42,438, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.