Flerovium

Flerovium, with the atomic number 114 and symbol "Fl," is a synthetic radioactive element. Its electron configuration suggests it might be an extremely heavy metallic gas instead of a solid or liquid.

Flerovium was first discovered in 1998 by the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Russia. Scientists at the Flerov Laboratory produced flerovium by bombarding plutonium atoms (element 94) with calcium ions (element 20) in a particle beam. 

1.0Introduction

Flerovium is a semi-metal and a radioactive, toxic element placed below lead in the periodic table. It belongs to the carbon family (Group 14) and is considered a transuranic element, making it part of the superheavy elements. Flerovium is a hefty metal.

Despite being classified as a superheavy element, flerovium exhibits higher nuclear stability than other elements, giving it a half-life of seconds rather than milliseconds.

2.0Physical Properties of Flerovium

• Melting Point: The exact melting point is still unknown. However, after extensive research, many scientists estimate it to be around 70°C, though this remains speculative.
• Boiling Point: Similar to its melting point, the boiling point has yet to be definitively measured. It is estimated at approximately 150°C (300°F) based on predictions rather than concrete data.
• Density: Flerovium's density is predicted to be about 22 g/cm³, based on various studies and modelling efforts. However, this remains an estimate due to the element’s limited availability and lack of practical applications.
• Since flerovium is highly radioactive and has a short half-life, its physical properties are challenging to measure accurately.

3.0Chemical Properties of Flerovium

• Position in the Periodic Table: Flerovium is located in the P-Block, Group 14, and Period 7.
• Atomic Structure: Flerovium contains 114 protons and 114 electrons, along with 175 neutrons.

4.0Characteristics of Flerovium

Flerovium is a rare and highly radioactive element with limited practical applications. It has an atomic number of 114 and an estimated atomic mass 289. Some scientists speculate that flerovium may have a silvery-white, grey, or metallic appearance 

• It was previously referred to as "ununquadium" before being officially named.
• Due to its high density, flerovium is classified as a metal. 
• Around five synthetic isotopes were identified, with mass numbers ranging from 285 to 289
• All isotopes are highly unstable and radioactive.
• The isotopes decay rapidly, with isotope 289 Fl being the most stable, having a half-life of approximately 2.6 seconds.
• Extremely rare with limited practical applications due to its instability

5.0Uses of Flerovium

Its uses are strictly limited to laboratory studies, as its instability prevents practical applications.

• Research in Superheavy Elements: Flerovium is primarily used in scientific research to explore the properties of superheavy elements. Compared to other elements in its vicinity, its relatively longer half-life allows scientists to study its behaviour and nuclear stability more effectively.