Origin / Meaning of the name Polonium
The name originates from Poland the home of Marie Curie. Madame Curie was born Maria Sklodowski in Warsaw, Poland in 1867.
Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Polonium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Polonium is classified as a "Metalloid" element and is located in Groups 13, 14,15, 16 and 17 of the Periodic Table. An element classified as one of the Metalloids has the properties of both metals and Non-Metals. Some are semi-conductors and can carry an electrical charge making them useful in calculators and computers. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.
Facts about the Discovery and History of the Polonium Element
Polonium was discovered by Marie Curie and Pierre Curie in 1898
History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief History of the Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of the Periodic Table.
Occurrence of the Polonium Element
A very rare element in nature
Obtained from pitchblende, decay of radium
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe N/A
% in Sun N/A
% in Meteorites N/A
% in Earth's Crust N/A
% in Oceans 2×10-18%
% in Humans None
Associated Uses of Polonium
Thermoelectric power in space satellites
To eliminate static charges
Removes dust from photographic films
