Protactinium Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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protactinium
[proʊˈtæktɪnɪəm ]
Definition
chemical element
Protactinium is a chemical element with the symbol Pa and atomic number 91. It is a dense, silvery-gray metallic element that is part of the actinide series. Protactinium is radioactive and is known for its use in nuclear energy applications and research. It has a long half-life, which allows it to be found naturally in trace amounts in uranium ores. Due to its limited availability and radioactivity, protactinium is not widely used in everyday applications.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The scientist studied the properties of protactinium.
- Utilization of protactinium in nuclear reactors requires careful handling.
- Protactinium can be extracted from certain uranium ores.
- Research on protactinium is crucial for advancements in nuclear technology.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- With the atomic number 91, protactinium is part of the actinide series in the periodic table, which includes other heavy metals like uranium and thorium.
- It has no stable isotopes; the most common isotope, protactinium-231, has a half-life of about 32,500 years, making it interesting for studying radioactive decay.
History
- Throughout the 20th century, as the nuclear age began, the study of protoactinium became crucial in understanding the behavior of radioactive materials.
- It played a significant role in the development of nuclear technology during World War II, although its use is limited due to its scarcity and radioactivity.
Pop Culture
- Protactinium is rarely mentioned in popular media but appears in discussions about elements in educational content and documentaries about the atomic age.
- Its significance in nuclear research sometimes places it in science fiction narratives that explore advanced technology and energy from nuclear reactions.
Environmental Impact
- Because it is radioactive, protactinium must be handled with care to avoid environmental contamination and health risks.
- Research involving this element contributes to understanding how heavy metals behave in the environment and their effects on ecological systems.
Origin of 'protactinium'
Main points about word origin
- The name 'protactinium' comes from the Greek words 'protos' meaning 'first' and 'actinium', highlighting its place before actinium in the periodic table.
- It was discovered in 1899, but its name was officially adopted in 1949 after further study clarified its properties.
The name 'protactinium' is derived from the Greek word 'protos', meaning 'first', and 'actinium', reflecting its position as the first element in the actinide series that was discovered after actinium. Protactinium was discovered in 1913 by the German chemist Otto Hahn and his colleague, Lise Meitner, who isolated it from uranium and identified its properties. Initially, it was known as 'emanation 91' before officially adopting its current name in 1949. The element has been the subject of research primarily for its potential applications in nuclear energy and its behavior in neutron reactions, given its unique position within the actinide series. Due to its radioactivity, protactinium presents both challenges and opportunities for scientific exploration.