Protactinium (Noun)
Meaning
A short-lived radioactive metallic element formed from uranium and disintegrating into actinium and then into lead.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Protactinium is formed in small amounts when uranium-238 undergoes radioactive decay through the process of alpha particle emission.
- The most commonly occurring isotope of protactinium has a very short half-life, making it extremely difficult for researchers to collect and study the element.
- Scientists discovered protactinium in the early 20th century while studying the decay chain of naturally occurring uranium isotopes.
- Actinium series decay ultimately begins with the radioactive disintegration of protactinium, which in turn results from the radioactive decay of uranium isotopes.
- Due to its inherent instability, the heaviest naturally occurring isotope of protactinium only lasts a few years before disintegrating into actinium.