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Converters & Calculators
Darmstadtium: Element Properties And Uses
Description
Darmstadtium is a synthetic element with atomic number 110. It exhibits specific chemical and physical behaviour and has contributed to scientific research in controlled laboratory settings.
Introduction to the Element
Darmstadtium is an artificially produced chemical element. It was first synthesised in 1994 at a heavy‐ion research facility in Germany. Named after the city of Darmstadt, it occupies a defined position in the study of superheavy elements. Its brief existence under laboratory conditions produces quantifiable data regarding the limits of the periodic table and the behaviour of elements that do not occur naturally.
Chemical Properties
Darmstadtium is classified as a transition metal. Its position in the periodic table indicates that it may exhibit chemical behaviour observed in elements such as nickel, Palladium and Platinum. The predicted electron configuration suggests that, if stable compounds can be synthesised, Darmstadtium would participate in chemical bonding processes in a manner consistent with other group 10 elements. Its high radioactivity and extremely short half-life render direct chemical experiments highly challenging.
Physical Properties
The physical properties of Darmstadtium are chiefly determined using theoretical models rather than direct measurements. It is predicted to exist as a heavy, solid metal with the typical metallic lustre of transition metals under standard conditions. The density, melting point and crystal structure have been inferred from periodic trends and quantum mechanical calculations.
|
Property |
Value |
Notes |
|
Atomic Number |
110 |
Basic identifier |
|
Atomic Mass (theoretical) |
~281 g/mol |
Predicted value |
|
Phase |
Solid (theoretical) |
Under standard conditions |
|
Density |
~28 g/cm³ |
Estimated from theoretical models |
|
Crystal Structure |
Cubic (predicted) |
Theoretical prediction |
Further information is available at Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM).
Common Uses
Because of its extremely short half-life and the difficulty in synthesising quantities beyond a few atoms, Darmstadtium currently lacks practical commercial applications. Its predominant use is in scientific research, thereby providing quantitative data on the behaviour of superheavy elements and contributing to nuclear physics studies.
Synthesis Methods
Darmstadtium is synthesised via high‐energy heavy‐ion collisions in particle accelerators. In these experiments, a target material—typically lead or bismuth—is bombarded by accelerated ions such as nickel at high velocity. Consequently, controlled nuclear reactions yield a limited number of Darmstadtium atoms, which decay within fractions of a second into lighter elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Darmstadtium?
Darmstadtium is a synthetic, superheavy element with atomic number 110. It is produced under controlled laboratory conditions.
How is Darmstadtium produced?
Scientists synthesise Darmstadtium by bombarding heavy target nuclei with accelerated ions in particle accelerators, thereby generating infrequent nuclear reactions.
Why is Darmstadtium not employed in everyday applications?
Its extremely short half-life and the challenges involved in producing large quantities restrict its use to scientific research rather than practical applications.
Can Darmstadtium form chemical compounds?
Theoretical studies indicate that Darmstadtium may form chemical compounds in configurations typical of group 10 elements. Experimental confirmation is limited due to its instability.
How do related industrial products benefit from research on Darmstadtium?
Techniques developed for the synthesis of Darmstadtium have contributed to improvements in particle acceleration and precision measurement methods. These methods are utilised in medicine, the semiconductor industry and the manufacturing of advanced materials.
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