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Technetium Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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technetium

[tษ›kหˆniหtiษ™m ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

chemical element

Technetium is a silvery-gray metallic element with the atomic number 43 and is the first element that was artificially produced. It has no stable isotopes, and all its isotopes are radioactive. Technetium is primarily used in medical imaging and has applications in the fields of nuclear medicine and radiography.

Examples of usage

  • Technetium-99m is widely used in medical imaging.
  • The discovery of technetium was a significant milestone in chemistry.
  • Scientists use technetium in radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic purposes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Technetium has no stable isotopes, which means all of its forms are radioactive and can be used in nuclear medicine.
  • It plays a significant role in nuclear medicine, particularly in imaging and diagnostic tests.

Industrial Use

  • This element is used in steel alloys to improve strength and resistance to corrosion, making tools and machinery last longer.
  • Technetium is utilized in various high-tech applications, including durable batteries and catalysts.

Pop Culture

  • The symbol for technetium is 'Tc,' which has appeared in several science fiction works, symbolizing advanced technology.
  • It is featured in discussions about the potential and risks of nuclear energy in various documentaries and shows.

Environmental Science

  • Technetium can be found in some nuclear waste, raising important discussions about radioactive materials and their management.
  • Research into its properties helps in understanding the behavior and effects of other man-made elements in the environment.

Origin of 'technetium'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'technetium' comes from the Greek word 'technetos,' meaning 'artificial,' reflecting its first creation in a lab.
  • It was the first element to be artificially produced in 1937, highlighting advancements in science and chemistry.

The name technetium is derived from the Greek word 'technetos', meaning 'artificial', reflecting its status as the first artificially produced element. It was discovered in 1937 by Italian scientists Carlo Perrier and Emilio Segrรจ, who isolated it from a sample of uranium. The element's existence was predicted in the periodic table by Dmitri Mendeleev, but it was not until nearly three decades later that it was actually obtained in a laboratory setting. Technetium's most stable isotope, technetium-98, has a half-life of about 4.2 million years, and it was initially found in trace amounts within uranium ores. Its discovery contributed to the understanding of nuclear fission and the behavior of radioactive elements.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,178, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.