Neptunium was named after planet Neptune, but we put Neptune, the god of the sea on this square.   next element                           previous element

The bombardment of uranium-235 with neutrons produces a lot of energy: 235U + 1n –> 92Kr + 141Ba + 3 1n + LOTS of energy This nuclear reaction is used in nuclear power plants to provide energy for homes. next element                           previous […]

    Protactinium is a radioactive element.  Maybe that radioactive spider that bit Peter Parker was irradiated with Pa?! next element                        previous element

    Thorium is named after Thor, the god of thunder – or perhaps the superhero…? next element                          previous element

    Actinium is a radioactive element.  Here, you can see the symbol for radioactive materials on its square. next element                                    previous element

    Radium is a radioactive element that was once used as a paint pigment for the numbers on clocks.  Radium was used because it glowed on account of its radioactivity, and folks could see the numbers on the clocks at night.  Unfortunately, the workers (mostly women) that painted these clocks tended to develop cancer.  […]

    Francium is named after France, so we decided to place the flag of France on this element’s square. next element                           previous element

    Polonium was named after Poland.  We think it sounds a bit like it was named after Polo, the sport.   next element                            previous element

    Lead is used in car batteries.  The reaction: 2 PbSO4(s) + 2 H2O(l) –> Pb(s) + PbO2(s) + 2 H2SO4(aq) generates about 2 Volts.  Six cells that run this reaction are combined to make a 12 Volt car battery.  The symbol for lead, Pb, comes from its Latin name, Plumbum.   next element […]

    Thallium is known as the poisoner’s poison; it is quite toxic.  In ionic form, thallium exists as Tl+ or Tl3+.  Tl+ has an ionic radius that is similar to that of K+, an important biological ion; both ions have the same charge.  As a result, Tl+ can mimic K+ in the body, substituting […]