Flerovium

Introduction

Flerovium is denoted or represented by the symbol (𝐹𝑙), with the atomic number equal to 114. This element is superheavy or, one of the heaviest elements in the periodic table. It is also an extremely radioactive material or element. This element was discovered in the year 1998, in the research centre of Russia. This element is found in group number 14 and period number 7 which means it lies in the p-block. The Electronic configuration for the flerovium is $\mathrm{[Rn]\:5f^{14}\:6d^{10}\:7s^{2}\:7p^{2}}$. It is a member (found in) of the carbon (𝐶) group, and it is the bulky element in that group. There is an extremely limited production of this element takes place due to its radioactive nature.

What is Flerovium?

Flerovium is one of the heaviest known elements with the atomic number 114 and it is represented by the symbol (𝐹𝑙). It is a p-block element. It lies in group 14 and period 7. That means it is a carbon group element. And it is the heavier element in the carbon group. It is also an extremely (very much) radioactive man-made

element (does not occur naturally on the surface of the earth). At the time of discovery, it was named after (according to) flerov laboratory (where it was produced) of nuclear reactions located in Dubna, a place in Russia (Asia), where this element was produced in the year 1998. But later the name was transformed to the flerov in honour of Russian physicist Georgy Flyorov. Its mass is predicted to be 289. The electronic configuration for the element is $\mathrm{[Rn]\:5f^{14}\:6d^{10}\:7s^{2}\:7p^{2}}$.

How Scientists Discovered Flerovium Elements?

Scientists of JINR (Joint Institute for Nuclear Research) located in Dubna, a place in Russia discovered flevorium by bombarding an aim of $\mathrm{(Pu)_{94}^{244}}$ with the nuclei (accelerated) of $\mathrm{(Ca_{20}^{48})\colon\:}$

$$\mathrm{Pu_{94}^{244}\:+\:Ca_{20}^{48}\:\rightarrow\:Fl_{114}^{290}\:+\:2n_{0}^{1}}$$

This reaction did not get success for the first time, so the scientists of JINR upgraded (modified) all its tools or equipment used to detect (find) and separated the obtained atoms (nicely) better and again bombarded the aim with more intensity. This time one atom (nucleus) of flerovium, alpha decaying (emits alpha particle) with a lifetime of 30.4s was detected. This observation (outcome) was dedicated to flerovium $\mathrm{(Fl^{289})}$. In this way, scientists discovered Flerovium elements.

What are the Uses of Flerovium?

Being radioactive and the heaviest element, Flerovium finds very less or limited use. This element only finds its uses in the research centres. It has no biological uses. It can be formed in nuclear reactors. There are very few atoms of flerovium have been made or discovered to date. It is also not used for commercial purposes because of its harmful nature (as it is a radioactive element).

Flerovium Chemical Properties

• Flerovium is the bulky member present in group 14 elements found below lead.

• The chemical behaviour of the element is expected to be very distinctive.

• The 7s orbitals (𝑠, 𝑝, 𝑑, 𝑓. ..) are very (largely) highly (more) stabilized (stable) in flerovium, therefore a very large $\mathrm{sp^{3}}$ (type) orbital (orbits) hybridization is needed to achieve a +4-oxidation state (O.S.).

• Flerovium is predicted to be more stable (most) than lead (𝑃𝑏) in its +2- oxidation state while at a +4 (O.S.)-oxidation state it should be highly (very much) unstable.

Physical Properties of Flerovium

Some of the physical properties of Flerovium element are as follows-

• Appearance- Liquid phase at STP (predicted)

• Melting Point (M.P.)- It has a melting point of around 200K or -73 °C or -100°F.

• Boiling Point (B.P.)- It has a boiling point of around 380K or 107 °C or 224°F.

• Density- It has a density of approximately 9.928 𝑔/𝑐𝑚3.

• Crystal Structure- Flerovium has a face-centred cubic lattice type.

General Properties of the Fl Element

Flerovium is a rarely used heavy material. Its atomic number is 114 and the molar mass is predicted to be 289. It is denoted or represented by the symbol 𝐹𝑙. It is a carbon group element that lies in the p-block of the periodic table. Its colour is predicted (assumed) to be silvery-white, grey, or metallic. Sometimes it is also known as Ununquadio. Flerovium is a radioactive synthetic element with five known isotopes so far.

Fun Facts About the Fl Element

• Flerovium is considered a metal due to its high density and it is an extremely radioactive metal.

• This metal or element can be rarely produced in nuclear reactors.

• Its production is very expensive.

• It is obtained by bombarding plutonium ions and calcium.

• It is a p-block element present in the carbon group.

Conclusion

Flerovium represented or denoted by the symbol (𝐹𝑙) is one of the heaviest known elements with the atomic number (Z) 114. It is a p-block element. It lies in group 14 and period 7. That means it is a carbon group element. And it is the heavier element in the carbon group and the p-block. It is also an extremely (very much) radioactive man- made element (does not occur naturally on the surface of the earth). At the time of discovery, it was named after (the place where it was produced) flerov laboratory (lab) of nuclear reactions located in Dubna, a place in Russia, where this element (metal) was produced (discovered) in the year 1998. Element is produced by bombarding a target aim) of plutonium-244 $\mathrm{(Pu_{94}^{244})}$ with the nuclei (accelerated) of calcium $\mathrm{(Ca_{20}^{48})\colon\:}$

FAQs

1. What is Flerovium?

Flerovium (𝐹𝑙) is a man-made radioactive element (or metal) with atomic number 114 and a mass of about 289. It is a p-block element. It lies in group 14 and period 7. That means it is a carbon group element. And it is the heavier element in the carbon group and the entire p-block.

2. Who discovered flerovium and when?

A team of scientists from JINR (Joint Institute for Nuclear Research), located in Dubna, a place in Russia discovered the flerovium (element) in the year 1998.

3. Write the reaction involved in the formation of flerovium?

The reaction involved in the formation of flerovium is

$$\mathrm{Pu_{94}^{244}\:+\:Ca_{20}^{48}\:\rightarrow\:Fl_{114}^{290}\:+\:2n_{0}^{1}}$$

4. Why does flerovium belong to p-block elements?

Flerovium is an element with atomic number 114 and its electronic configuration is $\mathrm{[Rn]\:5f^{14}\:6d^{10}\:7s^{2}\:7p^{2}}$ it shows that the element belongs to the 7th period, and the last electron enters the p orbital, that’s why it is considered a p-block element.

5. Which isotope of flerovium is considered the most stable isotope?

$\mathrm{Fl^{285}}$ is considered the most stable isotope of the 𝐹𝑙 element.