Polonium (Po)

About Polonium

Polonium is a chemical element with the symbol Po and atomic number 84, meaning every atom has 84 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Metalloid and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 209 atomic mass units (u).

On the periodic table, Polonium sits in group 16, period 6, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.

Uses of Polonium

In daily life and industry, Polonium is used for Radioactive. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Metalloid category.

Electron Structure of Polonium

Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Polonium has 5 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 32, 24 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.

Explore Other Elements

Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.

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