Radium
Radium is a chemical element with the symbol Ra and atomic number 88. It is a highly radioactive, silvery-white metal that belongs to the alkaline earth metals group. Radium is known for its intense radioactivity and was historically used in various applications before its health hazards were fully recognised.
Physical and chemical properties
Radium exhibits several remarkable physical and chemical properties:
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Radioactivity: Radium is extremely radioactive and decays by emitting alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
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Density: Radium has a high density of about 5.5 g/cm³.
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Melting point: The melting point of radium is approximately 700 °C.
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Oxidation states: Radium mainly forms divalent cations (Ra²⁺).
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Luminescence: Radium compounds glow in the dark due to their radioactivity.
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Electron configuration: Radium has the electron configuration [Rn] 7s².
Uses of radium
Historically, radium was used in various applications before its health hazards were fully recognised:
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Luminous paints: Radium was used in the first half of the 20th century in luminous paints for watches, instrument dials, and aircraft indicators.
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Cancer therapy: Radium was used in radiotherapy for cancer treatment due to its ability to destroy cells.
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Research: Used in scientific research to study radioactive decay processes and radiation phenomena.
Challenges and health hazards
The use of radium involves several challenges and significant health risks:
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Radiation sickness: Exposure to radium can cause radiation sickness, with symptoms such as nausea, hair loss, and blood disorders.
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Cancer risk: Long-term exposure to radium increases the risk of various cancers, especially bone cancer.
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Environmental contamination: Radium can contaminate the environment and remains radioactive due to its long half-life.
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Disposal: Safe disposal of radium and radium-containing materials requires special procedures and regulations.
Summary
Radium is a highly radioactive element with unique physical and chemical properties. Although it was historically used in luminous paints, cancer therapy, and research, the health hazards posed by radium are significant, including radiation sickness and increased cancer risk. Because of these risks, radium is now only used in strictly controlled environments and requires careful handling and disposal.
Further information
More information about radium and its properties can be found in specialised books on nuclear chemistry and radiobiology as well as on specialised websites about radioactivity and radiation protection.