Radium

Radium, with the chemical symbol Ra and atomic number 88, is a fascinating and highly radioactive element. It was discovered in 1898 by Marie and Pierre Curie, who isolated it from uranium ores. This discovery was groundbreaking as Radium was the first known element to emit heat due to its radioactive properties.

Radium is relatively scarce on Earth and is produced as a decay product of uranium and thorium. Due to its intense radiation and luminescence, it was once used in clock dials and in painting for luminescent colors. These applications were later restricted due to health risks associated with radioactivity.

The key Radium isotopes are Radium-226 and Radium-228. Radium-226 has a half-life of about 1600 years, while Radium-228 has a half-life of approximately 5.75 years.

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