Neptunium
Neptunium
Neptunium (pronounced /nɛpˈtjuːniəm/) is a chemical element with the symbol Np and atomic number 93. It is a radioactive actinide metal, first discovered in 1940 by Edwin McMillan and Philip H. Abelson.
Etymology
The name "Neptunium" is derived from the planet Neptune, following the naming convention of Uranium (named after Uranus) and Plutonium (named after Pluto). Neptune is the next planet beyond Uranus in our solar system, reflecting the fact that neptunium's atomic number is one greater than uranium's.
Properties
Neptunium is a hard, silvery, ductile, radioactive actinide metal. In the periodic table, it is located to the right of Uranium, to the left of Plutonium, and below Protactinium. It is similar in many ways to uranium and plutonium, and it forms numerous chemical compounds.
Isotopes
Neptunium has a number of isotopes, ranging from Np-225 to Np-244. The most stable isotope of neptunium, Np-237, has a half-life of 2.14 million years.
Uses
Neptunium has few uses, mainly because it is a radioactive and highly toxic material. However, it is used in devices for detecting high-energy (MeV) neutrons.
Health Effects
Neptunium is both toxic and radioactive. It can accumulate in bones, which can lead to bone cancer or other health problems.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neptunium
- Wikipedia's article - Neptunium
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