Definition of Radum
Ra`di*um (?), n. [NL., fr. L.
radius ray.] (Chem.) An intensely radioactive
metallic element found (combined) in minute quantities in pitchblende,
and various other uranium minerals. Symbol, Ra; atomic weight,
226.4. Radium was discovered by M. and Mme. Curie, of Paris, who in
1902 separated compounds of it by a tedious process from pitchblende.
Its compounds color flames carmine and give a characteristic spectrum.
It resembles barium chemically. Radium preparations are remarkable for
maintaining themselves at a higher temperature than their
surroundings, and for their radiations, which are of three kinds:
alpha rays, beta rays, and gamma rays (see these
terms). By reason of these rays they ionize gases, affect photographic
plates, cause sores on the skin, and produce many other striking
effects. Their degree of activity depends on the proportion of radium
present, but not on its state of chemical combination or on external
conditions.The radioactivity of radium is therefore an atomic
property, and is explained as result from a disintegration of the
atom. This breaking up occurs in at least seven stages; the successive
main products have been studied and are called radium
emanation or exradio, radium A,
radium B, radium C, etc. (The
emanation is a heavy gas, the later products are solids.) These
products are regarded as unstable elements, each with an atomic weight
a little lower than its predecessor. It is possible that lead is the
stable end product. At the same time the light gas helium is formed;
it probably consists of the expelled alpha particles. The heat effect
mentioned above is ascribed to the impacts of these particles. Radium,
in turn, is believed to be formed indirectly by an immeasurably slow
disintegration of uranium.
Ra`di*um (?), n. [NL., fr. L.
radius ray.] (Chem.) An intensely radioactive
metallic element found (combined) in minute quantities in pitchblende,
and various other uranium minerals. Symbol, Ra; atomic weight,
226.4. Radium was discovered by M. and Mme. Curie, of Paris, who in
1902 separated compounds of it by a tedious process from pitchblende.
Its compounds color flames carmine and give a characteristic spectrum.
It resembles barium chemically. Radium preparations are remarkable for
maintaining themselves at a higher temperature than their
surroundings, and for their radiations, which are of three kinds:
alpha rays, beta rays, and gamma rays (see these
terms). By reason of these rays they ionize gases, affect photographic
plates, cause sores on the skin, and produce many other striking
effects. Their degree of activity depends on the proportion of radium
present, but not on its state of chemical combination or on external
conditions.The radioactivity of radium is therefore an atomic
property, and is explained as result from a disintegration of the
atom. This breaking up occurs in at least seven stages; the successive
main products have been studied and are called radium
emanation or exradio, radium A,
radium B, radium C, etc. (The
emanation is a heavy gas, the later products are solids.) These
products are regarded as unstable elements, each with an atomic weight
a little lower than its predecessor. It is possible that lead is the
stable end product. At the same time the light gas helium is formed;
it probably consists of the expelled alpha particles. The heat effect
mentioned above is ascribed to the impacts of these particles. Radium,
in turn, is believed to be formed indirectly by an immeasurably slow
disintegration of uranium.
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
RADIUM, n. A mineral that gives off heat and stimulates the organ
that a scientist is a fool with.
- 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue
- a radioactive metallic chemical element (symbol Ra) with an atomic number of 88.
Radium - The Nuttall Encyclopedia
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