Polonium (Po)
Polonium (Po) is element 84, a post-transition metal. Atomic mass 209, configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p⁴. Properties, isotopes, oxidation states, uses and history, with an interactive 3D atom model.
Key facts
| Atomic number | 84 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Po |
| Standard atomic weight | 209 |
| Category | Post-transition Metal |
| Group | 16 |
| Period | 6 |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p⁴ |
| Valence electrons | 6 |
| Common oxidation states | -2, +2, +4 |
| Common ions | No common ions |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2 |
| First ionization energy | 812 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | 183.3 kJ/mol |
| Atomic radius | 190 pm |
| Density | 9.2 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 254°C |
| Boiling point | 962°C |
Common uses
- Anti-static brushes
- Heat source in satellites (rare)
Where it matters
- Nuclear Assassination (Litvinenko poisoning)
- Static elimination
Hazards
- Extremely radiotoxic (alpha emitter)
- fatal in micrograms
History
| Discovered | 1898 |
|---|---|
| Discovered by | Marie & Pierre Curie |
| Name | From Poland (Marie's homeland) |