radium
- Scope note
- Radioactive, soft, metallic chemical element, atomic number 88; a member of the group of the alkaline earth metals. It occurs in small amounts in pitchblende and other uranium ores. It undergoes spontaneous disintegration to form Radon gas and alpha rays. Bright white radium was formerly used to make luminous paints used in clock dials, doorknobs, and other glow-in-the-dark items prior to the 1970s.
- Date of creation: 06-May-2024
Accepted term: 06-May-2024