Polonium (Po)

Polonium (Po)

Atomic Number: 84
Atomic Weight: 210
Melting Point: 254
Boiling Point: 962
Specific Gravity: 9.32
Valence(s): -2, 0, 2, 3, 4 and 6

Polonium was discovered in 1898 by Mme. Curie. It is found only in minute amounts in Uranium ores (approximately 100 micrograms/ton). Polonium is radioactive, so it is handled with great care. It is used on brushes that remove dust from photographic films. Polonium is named after Poland, Mme. Curie's homeland. [LM] {RW}