Periodic Table and Element Properties
Learn about the categorization of various elements into groups and periods according to the similarities and differences in their properties. Metals, metalloids, and non-metals are organized separately.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Periodic Table and Element Properties
Chapter 4: Features and Uses of Elements
Actinium
Actinium belongs to the actinide series of the periodic table. It is a silvery-white metal that exists in small amounts in Uranium ores. Actinium can also be obtained by neutron radiation of 226-Ra in nuclear reactors. To produce pure Actinium, Actinium Fluoride is reduced with Lithium vapors between 1100 oC and 1300 oC.
Actinium is highly radioactive and toxic. It shines in the dark and emits blue light. When Actinium reacts with water, it releases Hydrogen.
The common uses of Actinium are:
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As an alpha ray source
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As a source of neutrons
In addition, Actinium-225 is used in medicine as an agent for radio-immunotherapy.
Element Properties
Periodic Table
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