`alpha-radiation` Related Article Results

Polonium is a highly radioactive metalloid element located at position 84 in the periodic table. It was discovered in 1898 by Marie and Pierre Curie and named after Marie Curie’s homeland Poland. Polonium is known as an intense alpha particle source and is both rare and extremely hazardous to handle. Classification and Basic Properties Polonium (Po) is located in the 6th period and group 16 (chalcogen group) of the periodic table. Its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f¹⁴5d¹⁰6s²6p⁴. Chemically it