Polonium (Po) — Element Properties, Uses & Facts
Overview
Polonium is a chemical element with symbol Po and atomic number 84, discovered in 1898 by Marie Curie and Pierre Curie. A rare and highly radioactive element with no stable isotopes, polonium is chemically similar to bismuth and tellurium, and it occurs in uranium ores. Applications of polonium are few.
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of Polonium is [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p4, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 6.
Physical and chemical properties
Polonium is classified as a transition metal. It has an atomic mass of 209 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as silvery.
Real-world uses of Polonium
As a transition metal, Polonium is typically used in alloys, industrial manufacturing, electronics, or as a catalyst in chemical reactions.
Interesting facts about Polonium
- Polonium has the atomic number 84 and chemical symbol Po.
- It belongs to period 6, group 16 of the periodic table.
- Polonium was discovered by Pierre Curie.
Explore Polonium interactively
Want to compare Polonium with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Po to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.
What is Polonium used for?
As a transition metal, Polonium is typically used in alloys, industrial manufacturing, electronics, or as a catalyst in chemical reactions.
What is the atomic number of Polonium?
The atomic number of Polonium is 84, meaning it has 84 protons in its nucleus.
What is the electron configuration of Polonium?
The electron configuration of Polonium is [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p4.
Is Polonium a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Polonium is classified as a transition metal.