Promethium: meaning, definitions and examples
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promethium
[ prəˈmiːθiəm ]
chemical element
Promethium is a rare, silvery-white metallic element classified as a lanthanide on the periodic table, denoted by the symbol Pm and atomic number 61. It is one of the least stable and rarest elements, primarily produced synthetically. Promethium is known for its ability to emit beta radiation and for its applications in atomic batteries and luminous paints. The element is highly radioactive and has no significant commercial applications beyond research.
Examples of usage
- Promethium is used in atomic batteries.
- Researchers studied the properties of promethium.
- The luminous paint contains promethium.
- Understanding promethium's behavior is crucial for scientists.
- Promethium isotopes are of interest in nuclear research.
Translations
Translations of the word "promethium" in other languages:
🇵🇹 promécio
🇮🇳 प्रोमेथियम
🇩🇪 Promethium
🇮🇩 prometium
🇺🇦 прометій
🇵🇱 promet
🇯🇵 プロメチウム
🇫🇷 prométhium
🇪🇸 prometio
🇹🇷 promethyum
🇰🇷 프로메튬
🇸🇦 بروميثيوم
🇨🇿 promethium
🇸🇰 prométium
🇨🇳 铂米
🇸🇮 prometij
🇮🇸 prometíum
🇰🇿 прометий
🇬🇪 პრომეთიუმი
🇦🇿 prometium
🇲🇽 prometio
Etymology
The name 'promethium' is derived from the Greek mythological figure Prometheus, who is known for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humanity. This reflects the element's unique and somewhat 'forbidden' status in nature, as well as its synthetic production. Promethium was first isolated in 1945 by the American physicists Lipson, E.O. Lawrence, and their team who were investigating various radioactive materials. They discovered it as a byproduct of uranium fission. Promethium's short half-life means that it does not occur naturally in significant amounts, but it was created in the laboratory using nuclear reactions. This metallic element has since been explored for various applications, particularly in the fields of materials science and nuclear technology, though its rarity limits widespread use.