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Basically, the F block is a series in the periodic table that consist of elements that are artificially synthesized. My question is, why were these elements synthesized? What was the need of synthesizing such elements?
Thank you for the answer.I am confident others with expertise in this area will provide specific scientific reasons, but arguably the underlying one is the same that accounts for all science - Curiosity.
Basically, the F block is a series in the periodic table that consist of elements that are artificially synthesized.
My question is, why were these elements synthesized? What was the need of synthesizing such elements?
My research is on Lanthanides and to very slightly correct Borek's statement, Promethium (Pm), the 5th element in the lanthanide series, is naturally unavailable. It can only be artificially synthesized and is radioactive.Nope. All lanthanides and some actinides are perfectly 'natural'.
By the way, look up to the ceiling in some building. If you see a fluorescent lamp or LED lamp, the chance is, there are f-block elements in it. Specifically, Ce, Eu, and Tb for fluorescent lamps, and Ce for LED lamps. (Just to note that these days, there are increasingly more "warm" fluorescent lamps and LED lamps, which the composing elements are different.) If you have a cellphone or iphone or whatever phone with a camera, there's a little yellowish device next to it that you can use it for flashlight. Most likely, it is made out of Ce:YAG on a blue emitting diode.Basically, the F block is a series in the periodic table that consist of elements that are artificially synthesized. My question is, why were these elements synthesized? What was the need of synthesizing such elements?
My research is on Lanthanides and to very slightly correct Borek's statement, Promethium (Pm), the 5th element in the lanthanide series, is naturally unavailable. It can only be artificially synthesized and is radioactive.
The first non-natural actinide elements where synthesized in the Manhattan atomic bomb project. Namely Plutonium was used in the "Fat man" bomb droped on Nagasaki.Basically, the F block is a series in the periodic table that consist of elements that are artificially synthesized. My question is, why were these elements synthesized? What was the need of synthesizing such elements?
Wow!! Thank you so much for the information. Your comment is very helpful thank you again.My research is on Lanthanides and to very slightly correct Borek's statement, Promethium (Pm), the 5th element in the lanthanide series, is naturally unavailable. It can only be artificially synthesized and is radioactive.
By the way, look up to the ceiling in some building. If you see a fluorescent lamp or LED lamp, the chance is, there are f-block elements in it. Specifically, Ce, Eu, and Tb for fluorescent lamps, and Ce for LED lamps. (Just to note that these days, there are increasingly more "warm" fluorescent lamps and LED lamps, which the composing elements are different.) If you have a cellphone or iphone or whatever phone with a camera, there's a little yellowish device next to it that you can use it for flashlight. Most likely, it is made out of Ce:YAG on a blue emitting diode.
If I recall correctly, smoke detectors contain Americium (I forgot the specific isotope), a crucial element for the device to work. There are also depleted Uranium ammunition and armor plates. Neodymium is commonly used in lasers and magnets. Gadolinium compounds are used as an imaging agent for MRIs.
Basically, they are used everywhere.
Thank you for commenting, it is very informative.The first non-natural actinide elements where synthesized in the Manhattan atomic bomb project. Namely Plutonium was used in the "Fat man" bomb droped on Nagasaki.
Fun factoid: four of the lanthanides are named after the same town in Sweden, the location of the mine that produced the ores from which they were first discovered.
(Pic here)
(source: Wikipedia)