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Lawrencium (Element 103): Synthesis, Properties, and Discovery

At a Glance

Title: Lawrencium (Element 103): Synthesis, Properties, and Discovery

Total Categories: 5

Category Stats

  • Fundamental Characteristics and Periodic Placement: 3 flashcards, 6 questions
  • Nuclear Synthesis and Detection of Superheavy Elements: 9 flashcards, 9 questions
  • Isotopic Properties and Decay Pathways: 10 flashcards, 15 questions
  • Historical Discovery and Naming Controversy: 8 flashcards, 7 questions
  • Chemical and Physical Properties: 28 flashcards, 26 questions

Total Stats

  • Total Flashcards: 58
  • True/False Questions: 34
  • Multiple Choice Questions: 29
  • Total Questions: 63

Instructions

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Welcome to Your Curriculum Command Center

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⚙️ Kit Manager: Your Kit's Identity

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Study Guide: Lawrencium (Element 103): Synthesis, Properties, and Discovery

Study Guide: Lawrencium (Element 103): Synthesis, Properties, and Discovery

Fundamental Characteristics and Periodic Placement

Lawrencium is a naturally occurring radioactive metal with an atomic number of 103.

Answer: False

Lawrencium is a synthetic element and does not occur naturally, although it is a radioactive metal with atomic number 103.

Related Concepts:

  • What is Lawrencium, and what is its atomic number and symbol?: Lawrencium (Lr), a synthetic chemical element with atomic number 103, is a radioactive metal that does not occur naturally.

Ernest Lawrence, the namesake of Lawrencium, is renowned for inventing the cyclotron, a device instrumental in creating artificial radioactive elements.

Answer: True

Ernest Lawrence, for whom Lawrencium is named, invented the cyclotron, a particle accelerator used to synthesize artificial radioactive elements.

Related Concepts:

  • After whom is Lawrencium named, and what was his notable invention?: Lawrencium is named after Ernest Lawrence, the inventor of the cyclotron, a particle accelerator used to synthesize many artificial radioactive elements.

Lawrencium is the first transuranium element and the last member of the actinide series.

Answer: False

Lawrencium is the eleventh transuranium element and the last member of the actinide series, not the first transuranium element.

Related Concepts:

  • Describe Lawrencium's position within the periodic table.: Lawrencium is the eleventh transuranium element, the third transfermium element, and the final member of the actinide series. It is situated to the right of nobelium, to the left of rutherfordium, and directly beneath lutetium, with which it shares several chemical properties.

What is the atomic number and symbol for Lawrencium?

Answer: Atomic number 103, symbol Lr

Lawrencium is a synthetic chemical element with the symbol Lr and an atomic number of 103.

Related Concepts:

  • What is Lawrencium, and what is its atomic number and symbol?: Lawrencium (Lr), a synthetic chemical element with atomic number 103, is a radioactive metal that does not occur naturally.

Who is Lawrencium named after, and what was his significant invention?

Answer: Ernest Lawrence, inventor of the cyclotron

Lawrencium is named after Ernest Lawrence, the inventor of the cyclotron, a particle accelerator used to create artificial radioactive elements.

Related Concepts:

  • After whom is Lawrencium named, and what was his notable invention?: Lawrencium is named after Ernest Lawrence, the inventor of the cyclotron, a particle accelerator used to synthesize many artificial radioactive elements.

Which of the following accurately describes Lawrencium's position in the periodic table?

Answer: The eleventh transuranium element and the last member of the actinide series

Lawrencium is the eleventh transuranium element and the last member of the actinide series.

Related Concepts:

  • Describe Lawrencium's position within the periodic table.: Lawrencium is the eleventh transuranium element, the third transfermium element, and the final member of the actinide series. It is situated to the right of nobelium, to the left of rutherfordium, and directly beneath lutetium, with which it shares several chemical properties.

Nuclear Synthesis and Detection of Superheavy Elements

Elements with an atomic number exceeding 100, including lawrencium, are exclusively produced in nuclear reactors.

Answer: False

Elements with an atomic number over 100, such as lawrencium, are exclusively produced in particle accelerators, not nuclear reactors.

Related Concepts:

  • How is Lawrencium typically synthesized?: Like all elements with an atomic number exceeding 100, lawrencium is exclusively produced in particle accelerators by bombarding lighter elements with charged particles, inducing nuclear fusion.

In nuclear fusion for superheavy elements, electrostatic repulsion helps bind nuclei together, while the strong interaction tears them apart.

Answer: False

In nuclear fusion, electrostatic repulsion causes nuclei to repel each other, while the strong interaction binds them together once repulsion is overcome.

Related Concepts:

  • Explain the roles of electrostatic repulsion and the strong interaction in nuclear fusion for superheavy elements.: Positively charged nuclei mutually repel due to electrostatic repulsion. To overcome this barrier, beam nuclei are highly accelerated. The strong interaction, effective over very short distances, then binds the nuclei, facilitating fusion.

A 'cross section' in nuclear fusion quantifies the probability that fusion will occur between a target and a beam.

Answer: True

A cross section characterizes each pair of a target and a beam in nuclear fusion, representing the probability that fusion will occur if two nuclei approach one another.

Related Concepts:

  • Define 'cross section' in the context of nuclear fusion.: In nuclear fusion, a 'cross section' quantifies the probability of fusion occurring between a specific target and beam pair. It is expressed as the transverse area the incident particle must strike for fusion to take place.

A compound nucleus formed after fusion is highly stable and immediately ejects gamma rays to reach its ground state.

Answer: False

A compound nucleus formed after fusion is highly unstable and may fission, eject neutrons, or produce gamma rays to reach a more stable state, typically within 10<sup>-16</sup> seconds.

Related Concepts:

  • Describe the immediate fate of a compound nucleus formed after fusion and its path to stability.: The merger of two nuclei forms an excited and highly unstable 'compound nucleus'. To achieve a more stable state, this transient entity may undergo fission without forming a stable nucleus, eject neutrons to dissipate excitation energy, or emit a gamma ray if neutron expulsion is insufficient. This process typically transpires within 10<sup>-16</sup> seconds.

The IUPAC/IUPAP Joint Working Party requires a nucleus to not decay within 10<sup>-10</sup> seconds to be recognized as a new element.

Answer: False

The IUPAC/IUPAP Joint Working Party requires a nucleus to not decay within 10<sup>-14</sup> seconds to be recognized as a new element.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the IUPAC/IUPAP Joint Working Party's criterion for recognizing the discovery of a new chemical element?: The IUPAC/IUPAP Joint Working Party (JWP) stipulates that a chemical element is recognized as discovered only if its nucleus has not decayed within 10<sup>-14</sup> seconds. This duration is an estimated time for a nucleus to acquire electrons and subsequently manifest its chemical properties.

How is Lawrencium typically produced?

Answer: By bombarding lighter elements with charged particles in particle accelerators

Lawrencium, like all elements with an atomic number over 100, is produced in particle accelerators by bombarding lighter elements with charged particles.

Related Concepts:

  • How is Lawrencium typically synthesized?: Like all elements with an atomic number exceeding 100, lawrencium is exclusively produced in particle accelerators by bombarding lighter elements with charged particles, inducing nuclear fusion.

What is the primary role of the strong interaction in the creation of superheavy atomic nuclei?

Answer: To bind nuclei together after overcoming electrostatic repulsion.

The strong interaction acts over very short distances to bind nuclei together after they overcome electrostatic repulsion during nuclear fusion.

Related Concepts:

  • Outline the fundamental process for synthesizing a superheavy atomic nucleus.: A superheavy atomic nucleus is synthesized in a nuclear reaction by combining two nuclei of disparate sizes. A target composed of heavier nuclei is bombarded by a beam of lighter nuclei, which are accelerated to high velocities to overcome electrostatic repulsion, enabling the strong interaction to fuse them.
  • Explain the roles of electrostatic repulsion and the strong interaction in nuclear fusion for superheavy elements.: Positively charged nuclei mutually repel due to electrostatic repulsion. To overcome this barrier, beam nuclei are highly accelerated. The strong interaction, effective over very short distances, then binds the nuclei, facilitating fusion.

According to the IUPAC/IUPAP Joint Working Party, what is the criterion for recognizing the discovery of a new chemical element?

Answer: A nucleus must not decay within 10<sup>-14</sup> seconds.

The IUPAC/IUPAP Joint Working Party states that a chemical element can only be recognized as discovered if a nucleus of it has not decayed within 10<sup>-14</sup> seconds.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the IUPAC/IUPAP Joint Working Party's criterion for recognizing the discovery of a new chemical element?: The IUPAC/IUPAP Joint Working Party (JWP) stipulates that a chemical element is recognized as discovered only if its nucleus has not decayed within 10<sup>-14</sup> seconds. This duration is an estimated time for a nucleus to acquire electrons and subsequently manifest its chemical properties.

How is <sup>260</sup>Lr specifically produced?

Answer: By bombarding berkelium-249 with oxygen-18.

<sup>260</sup>Lr is produced by bombarding berkelium-249 with oxygen-18, yielding lawrencium-260, an alpha particle, and three neutrons.

Related Concepts:

  • Describe the specific production methods for <sup>256</sup>Lr and <sup>260</sup>Lr.: <sup>256</sup>Lr can be produced by bombarding californium-249 with 70 MeV boron-11 ions, yielding lawrencium-256 and four neutrons. <sup>260</sup>Lr is synthesized by bombarding berkelium-249 with oxygen-18, resulting in lawrencium-260, an alpha particle, and three neutrons.

Isotopic Properties and Decay Pathways

The most stable isotope of lawrencium is <sup>260</sup>Lr, which is also the one most commonly used in chemistry experiments.

Answer: False

The most stable isotope of lawrencium is <sup>266</sup>Lr, with a half-life of 11 hours. While <sup>260</sup>Lr is commonly used in chemistry, it is not the most stable.

Related Concepts:

  • Which Lawrencium isotope is the most stable, and which is most frequently employed in chemical investigations?: The most stable isotope of lawrencium is <sup>266</sup>Lr, possessing a half-life of 11 hours. However, the shorter-lived <sup>260</sup>Lr, with a half-life of 2.7 minutes, is more commonly utilized in chemical experiments due to its larger-scale production feasibility.

Superheavy nuclei predominantly decay via alpha decay and spontaneous fission because the strong interaction weakens for larger nuclei, while electrostatic repulsion increases.

Answer: True

The strong interaction weakens for larger nuclei, while electrostatic repulsion between protons increases, leading superheavy nuclei to predominantly decay through alpha decay and spontaneous fission.

Related Concepts:

  • Why do superheavy nuclei primarily decay via alpha decay and spontaneous fission?: Nuclear stability is governed by the strong interaction, which diminishes in strength for larger nuclei, while the electrostatic repulsion between protons, increasing with the square of the atomic number, tends to destabilize the nucleus. This escalating repulsion renders superheavy nuclei susceptible to predominant decay through alpha emission and spontaneous fission.

The liquid drop model predicted an 'island of stability' for nuclei with about 300 nucleons, where they would be more resistant to spontaneous fission.

Answer: False

The nuclear shell model, not the liquid drop model, predicted an 'island of stability' for nuclei with about 300 nucleons, where they would be more resistant to spontaneous fission.

Related Concepts:

  • Contrast the predictions of the liquid drop model and the nuclear shell model regarding superheavy nuclei stability.: The earlier liquid drop model posited that spontaneous fission would occur almost instantaneously for nuclei with approximately 280 nucleons due to the vanishing fission barrier. Conversely, the later nuclear shell model predicted an 'island of stability' for nuclei around 300 nucleons, where they would exhibit enhanced resistance to spontaneous fission and primarily undergo alpha decay with extended half-lives.

Alpha decays are more useful than spontaneous fission for identifying new elements because their decay chains can be linked to known nuclei by specific decay energies.

Answer: True

Alpha decays are useful for identifying new elements because their decay chains can be linked to known nuclei by specific decay energies, allowing the original product to be determined. Spontaneous fission is less useful due to the variety of daughter nuclei produced.

Related Concepts:

  • How are alpha decays used to identify new elements, and why is spontaneous fission less effective for this purpose?: Alpha decays are identified by their emitted alpha particles. If a decay chain culminates in a known nucleus, the original reaction product can be precisely determined by correlating the decays to the same location and analyzing their specific decay energies. Spontaneous fission, however, yields a diverse array of daughter nuclei, complicating the identification of the original nuclide from its decay products.

The longest-lived Lawrencium isotope, <sup>266</sup>Lr, has a half-life of about 11 hours and was discovered as a decay product of <sup>294</sup>Tennessine.

Answer: True

The longest-lived isotope, <sup>266</sup>Lr, has a half-life of about ten hours and was discovered in 2014 as a final decay product in the decay chain of <sup>294</sup>Tennessine.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the half-life of the longest-lived Lawrencium isotope, <sup>266</sup>Lr, and how was it discovered?: The longest-lived isotope, <sup>266</sup>Lr, possesses a half-life of approximately ten hours, making it one of the most enduring superheavy isotopes identified. It was discovered in 2014 as a final decay product within the decay chain of <sup>294</sup>Tennessine.

The shortest-lived known lawrencium isotope is <sup>251</sup>Lr, with a half-life of 24.4 milliseconds.

Answer: True

The shortest-lived known lawrencium isotope is <sup>251</sup>Lr, which has a half-life of 24.4 milliseconds.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the half-life of the shortest-lived known Lawrencium isotope?: The shortest-lived known lawrencium isotope is <sup>251</sup>Lr, which exhibits a half-life of 24.4 milliseconds.

The heaviest Lawrencium isotopes, <sup>264</sup>Lr and <sup>266</sup>Lr, are easily produced by bombarding actinide targets with light ions.

Answer: False

The heaviest Lawrencium isotopes, <sup>264</sup>Lr and <sup>266</sup>Lr, are difficult to produce directly and are only produced at much lower yields as decay products of even heavier, harder-to-make isotopes.

Related Concepts:

  • Why are the heaviest Lawrencium isotopes, <sup>264</sup>Lr and <sup>266</sup>Lr, challenging to produce?: The two heaviest and longest-lived known isotopes, <sup>264</sup>Lr and <sup>266</sup>Lr, are only produced at significantly lower yields as decay products of dubnium, whose progenitors are even heavier and more difficult-to-synthesize isotopes of moscovium and tennessine.

Which isotope of lawrencium is most commonly used in chemistry experiments, despite not being the most stable?

Answer: <sup>260</sup>Lr

The shorter-lived <sup>260</sup>Lr, with a half-life of 2.7 minutes, is more commonly used in chemistry experiments because it can be produced on a larger scale, even though <sup>266</sup>Lr is the most stable.

Related Concepts:

  • Which Lawrencium isotope is the most stable, and which is most frequently employed in chemical investigations?: The most stable isotope of lawrencium is <sup>266</sup>Lr, possessing a half-life of 11 hours. However, the shorter-lived <sup>260</sup>Lr, with a half-life of 2.7 minutes, is more commonly utilized in chemical experiments due to its larger-scale production feasibility.

Why do superheavy nuclei predominantly decay via alpha decay and spontaneous fission?

Answer: The strong interaction weakens for larger nuclei, while electrostatic repulsion increases, tearing the nucleus apart.

Superheavy nuclei predominantly decay via alpha decay and spontaneous fission because the strong interaction weakens for larger nuclei, while electrostatic repulsion between protons increases, leading to nuclear instability.

Related Concepts:

  • Why do superheavy nuclei primarily decay via alpha decay and spontaneous fission?: Nuclear stability is governed by the strong interaction, which diminishes in strength for larger nuclei, while the electrostatic repulsion between protons, increasing with the square of the atomic number, tends to destabilize the nucleus. This escalating repulsion renders superheavy nuclei susceptible to predominant decay through alpha emission and spontaneous fission.

How do alpha decays assist in identifying new elements, unlike spontaneous fission?

Answer: Alpha decays produce known nuclei in a chain, allowing the original product to be determined by linking decays and analyzing energies.

Alpha decays produce known nuclei in a chain, allowing the original reaction product to be determined by linking the decays to the same location and analyzing their specific decay energies. Spontaneous fission is less useful as it produces various nuclei.

Related Concepts:

  • How are alpha decays used to identify new elements, and why is spontaneous fission less effective for this purpose?: Alpha decays are identified by their emitted alpha particles. If a decay chain culminates in a known nucleus, the original reaction product can be precisely determined by correlating the decays to the same location and analyzing their specific decay energies. Spontaneous fission, however, yields a diverse array of daughter nuclei, complicating the identification of the original nuclide from its decay products.

How many isotopes of Lawrencium are currently known?

Answer: Fourteen

Fourteen isotopes of lawrencium are currently known, with mass numbers ranging from 251 to 262, 264, and 266.

Related Concepts:

  • How many Lawrencium isotopes are currently known, and what are their mass numbers?: Fourteen isotopes of lawrencium are presently known, with mass numbers spanning from 251 to 262, 264, and 266. All of these isotopes are radioactive.

What is the half-life of the longest-lived Lawrencium isotope, <sup>266</sup>Lr?

Answer: About ten hours

The longest-lived isotope, <sup>266</sup>Lr, has a half-life of about ten hours.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the half-life of the longest-lived Lawrencium isotope, <sup>266</sup>Lr, and how was it discovered?: The longest-lived isotope, <sup>266</sup>Lr, possesses a half-life of approximately ten hours, making it one of the most enduring superheavy isotopes identified. It was discovered in 2014 as a final decay product within the decay chain of <sup>294</sup>Tennessine.

Which Lawrencium isotopes are typically used in chemical experiments?

Answer: Shorter-lived isotopes like <sup>256</sup>Lr and <sup>260</sup>Lr.

Shorter-lived isotopes like <sup>256</sup>Lr and <sup>260</sup>Lr are typically used in chemical experiments because <sup>266</sup>Lr is difficult to produce directly.

Related Concepts:

  • Which Lawrencium isotopes are typically employed in chemical experiments, and what is the rationale?: Shorter-lived isotopes are generally preferred for chemical experiments because <sup>266</sup>Lr is challenging to produce directly. Initially, <sup>256</sup>Lr (half-life 27 seconds) was used, but currently, the longer-lived <sup>260</sup>Lr (half-life 2.7 minutes) is favored for this purpose.

What is the half-life of the shortest-lived known Lawrencium isotope?

Answer: 24.4 milliseconds

The shortest-lived known lawrencium isotope is <sup>251</sup>Lr, which has a half-life of 24.4 milliseconds.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the half-life of the shortest-lived known Lawrencium isotope?: The shortest-lived known lawrencium isotope is <sup>251</sup>Lr, which exhibits a half-life of 24.4 milliseconds.

Why are the heaviest Lawrencium isotopes, <sup>264</sup>Lr and <sup>266</sup>Lr, difficult to produce?

Answer: They are produced at much lower yields as decay products of even heavier, harder-to-make isotopes.

The heaviest Lawrencium isotopes, <sup>264</sup>Lr and <sup>266</sup>Lr, are difficult to produce because they are only produced at much lower yields as decay products of even heavier, harder-to-make isotopes.

Related Concepts:

  • Why are the heaviest Lawrencium isotopes, <sup>264</sup>Lr and <sup>266</sup>Lr, challenging to produce?: The two heaviest and longest-lived known isotopes, <sup>264</sup>Lr and <sup>266</sup>Lr, are only produced at significantly lower yields as decay products of dubnium, whose progenitors are even heavier and more difficult-to-synthesize isotopes of moscovium and tennessine.

Historical Discovery and Naming Controversy

The dispute over Lawrencium's discovery and naming was resolved by IUPAC crediting only the American team due to their earlier claims.

Answer: False

IUPAC resolved the dispute by giving shared credit to both the Soviet and American teams, though the name 'lawrencium' was retained.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) ultimately resolve the Lawrencium discovery dispute?: IUPAC initially named the element 'lawrencium' and credited the American team. However, a 1992 reevaluation led to shared credit for both Soviet and American teams, while the name 'lawrencium' was retained due to its established usage.

The Berkeley team's initial identification of the Lawrencium isotope in 1961 as <sup>257</sup>103 was later confirmed to be correct.

Answer: False

The Berkeley team's initial identification of the isotope as <sup>257</sup>103 in 1961 was later corrected to <sup>258</sup>103.

Related Concepts:

  • What subsequent correction was made regarding the initial identification of the Lawrencium isotope produced by the Berkeley team?: The initial identification of the isotope as <sup>257</sup>103 was later revised to <sup>258</sup>103, as subsequent research demonstrated that <sup>257</sup>Lr did not exhibit the observed properties, whereas <sup>258</sup>Lr did.

The Dubna team criticized Berkeley's 1961 claim, arguing that producing <sup>258</sup>Lr from <sup>10</sup>B would require emitting four neutrons, which was less likely than emitting three or five, leading to an expected narrow yield curve.

Answer: True

The Dubna team criticized Berkeley's 1961 claim, noting that producing <sup>258</sup>Lr from <sup>10</sup>B would require emitting four neutrons, which was less likely than emitting three or five, and should have resulted in a narrow yield curve, not the broad one reported.

Related Concepts:

  • What criticisms did the Dubna team articulate concerning Berkeley's 1961 claim of Lawrencium synthesis?: The Dubna team critiqued Berkeley's claim, noting that <sup>252</sup>Cf was the predominant isotope in the target. They argued that producing <sup>258</sup>Lr from <sup>10</sup>B would necessitate the emission of four neutrons, a less probable event than emitting three or five, which should have yielded a narrow, rather than the broad, yield curve reported by Berkeley, possibly due to a limited number of events attributed to element 103.

The discoveries of Lawrencium by both Berkeley and Dubna teams were definitively confirmed in the 1970s through X-ray measurements of <sup>258</sup>103.

Answer: True

All previous results from Berkeley and Dubna were confirmed in 1971, and final doubts were dispelled in 1976 and 1977 when the energies of X-rays emitted from <sup>258</sup>103 were measured, providing definitive evidence.

Related Concepts:

  • When were the discoveries of Lawrencium by both Berkeley and Dubna teams definitively confirmed, and what role did X-ray measurements play?: All prior results from Berkeley and Dubna were confirmed in 1971 by the University of California at Berkeley's nuclear physics team, who conducted extensive experiments measuring the nuclear decay properties of lawrencium isotopes from mass numbers 255 to 260. Final uncertainties were resolved in 1976 and 1977 with the measurement of X-ray energies emitted from <sup>258</sup>103, providing conclusive evidence.

How did IUPAC resolve the historical dispute over the discovery and naming of Lawrencium?

Answer: They gave shared credit to both Soviet and American teams but retained the name 'lawrencium'.

IUPAC resolved the dispute by giving shared credit to both the Soviet and American teams for the discovery, but retained the name 'lawrencium' due to its long-standing use.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) ultimately resolve the Lawrencium discovery dispute?: IUPAC initially named the element 'lawrencium' and credited the American team. However, a 1992 reevaluation led to shared credit for both Soviet and American teams, while the name 'lawrencium' was retained due to its established usage.

What was the initial identification of the Lawrencium isotope produced by the Berkeley team in 1961, and what was the later correction?

Answer: Initially <sup>257</sup>103, later corrected to <sup>258</sup>103.

The Berkeley team initially identified the isotope as <sup>257</sup>103 in 1961, but this was later corrected to <sup>258</sup>103.

Related Concepts:

  • When and by whom were the first atoms of Lawrencium reportedly synthesized, and what were the initial observations?: The first atoms of lawrencium were reportedly synthesized on February 14, 1961, at Berkeley by a nuclear-physics team including Albert Ghiorso, Torbjørn Sikkeland, Almon Larsh, and Robert M. Latimer. They bombarded a californium target with boron-10 and boron-11 nuclei, detecting an isotope initially identified as <sup>257</sup>103, which decayed by emitting an 8.6 MeV alpha particle with a half-life of 8 ± 2 seconds.
  • What subsequent correction was made regarding the initial identification of the Lawrencium isotope produced by the Berkeley team?: The initial identification of the isotope as <sup>257</sup>103 was later revised to <sup>258</sup>103, as subsequent research demonstrated that <sup>257</sup>Lr did not exhibit the observed properties, whereas <sup>258</sup>Lr did.

When did the Dubna team first report the synthesis of element 103, and what isotope did they claim to produce?

Answer: 1965, claiming <sup>256</sup>103

The Dubna team first reported work on element 103 in 1965, claiming to have made <sup>256</sup>103.

Related Concepts:

  • When did the Dubna team first report the synthesis of element 103, and which isotope did they claim to produce?: The Dubna team first reported their work on element 103 in 1965, asserting the synthesis of <sup>256</sup>103 by bombarding <sup>243</sup>Am with <sup>18</sup>O. They identified it indirectly through its granddaughter, fermium-252, although the reported half-life was somewhat elevated.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Lawrencium behaves as a heavier homolog to lutetium and is a trivalent element, sharing similar chemical properties.

Answer: True

Chemistry experiments confirm that lawrencium behaves as a heavier homolog to lutetium and is a trivalent element, sharing similar chemical properties and reactivity.

Related Concepts:

  • How does Lawrencium's chemical behavior relate to other elements in the periodic table?: Chemistry experiments confirm that lawrencium functions as a heavier homolog to lutetium and is a trivalent element, exhibiting similar chemical properties and reactivity to lutetium, a group 3 element.

Lawrencium's electron configuration is anomalous, having an s<sup>2</sup>d configuration instead of the expected s<sup>2</sup>p configuration for its position.

Answer: False

Lawrencium's electron configuration is anomalous, having an s<sup>2</sup>p configuration instead of the s<sup>2</sup>d configuration typically expected for its homolog, lutetium.

Related Concepts:

  • What is distinctive about Lawrencium's electron configuration given its periodic table placement?: Lawrencium's electron configuration is anomalous for its position, featuring an s<sup>2</sup>p configuration rather than the s<sup>2</sup>d configuration typically anticipated for its homolog, lutetium. This anomaly does not, however, appear to significantly alter lawrencium's overall chemical behavior.

Lawrencium is predicted to be a light metal with a density similar to aluminum.

Answer: False

Lawrencium is predicted to be a rather heavy metal with a density of around 14.4 g/cm<sup>3</sup>, not a light metal similar to aluminum.

Related Concepts:

  • What are the predicted density and melting point of Lawrencium?: Lawrencium is predicted to be a relatively heavy metal with a density of approximately 14.4 g/cm<sup>3</sup>. Its melting point is estimated to be around 1900 K (1600 °C), similar to that of lutetium.

Lawrencium is expected to be easily oxidized by air, steam, and acids, indicating its reactive metallic nature.

Answer: True

Lawrencium is expected to be easily oxidized by air, steam, and acids, which is characteristic of a reactive metallic nature.

Related Concepts:

  • How is Lawrencium expected to react with air, steam, and acids?: Lawrencium is anticipated to be readily oxidized by air, steam, and acids, indicative of its reactive metallic nature.

Glenn T. Seaborg predicted in 1949 that element 103 would be the first actinide, a prediction later disproven.

Answer: False

Glenn T. Seaborg predicted in 1949 that element 103 (lawrencium) would be the *last* actinide, and this prediction was later experimentally confirmed, not disproven.

Related Concepts:

  • What did Glenn T. Seaborg predict about Lawrencium in 1949, and how was this later confirmed?: In 1949, Glenn T. Seaborg, the architect of the actinide concept, predicted that element 103 (lawrencium) would be the final actinide and that the Lr<sup>3+</sup> ion would exhibit stability comparable to Lu<sup>3+</sup> in aqueous solution. This prediction was experimentally validated decades later following lawrencium's conclusive synthesis.

Early chemical studies in 1970 showed lawrencium coextracted with divalent ions, distinguishing it from trivalent elements.

Answer: False

Early chemical studies in 1970 showed lawrencium coextracted with trivalent ions, distinguishing it from divalent and tetravalent elements.

Related Concepts:

  • How did early chemical studies in 1970 characterize Lawrencium's coextraction behavior relative to other elements?: In 1970, chemical investigations on 1500 atoms of <sup>256</sup>Lr revealed that lawrencium coextracted with trivalent ions (e.g., Fm, Cf, Cm, Am, Ac), thereby differentiating it from divalent (No, Ba, Ra) and tetravalent (Th, Pu) elements. However, its brief half-life precluded confirmation of its elution sequence relative to Md<sup>3+</sup>.

Due to the actinide contraction, the ionic radius of Lr<sup>3+</sup> is expected to be larger than that of Md<sup>3+</sup>.

Answer: False

Due to the actinide contraction, the ionic radius of Lr<sup>3+</sup> is expected to be smaller than that of Md<sup>3+</sup>.

Related Concepts:

  • Compare the ionic radius of Lr<sup>3+</sup> to Md<sup>3+</sup>, and explain the underlying reason for this difference.: Owing to the actinide contraction, the ionic radius of Lr<sup>3+</sup> is predicted to be smaller than that of Md<sup>3+</sup>. This contraction causes Lr<sup>3+</sup> to elute before Md<sup>3+</sup> when ammonium α-hydroxyisobutyrate (ammonium α-HIB) is employed as an eluant.

Experiments successfully reduced Lr<sup>3+</sup> to Lr<sup>2+</sup> or Lr<sup>+</sup> in aqueous solution, confirming its variable oxidation states.

Answer: False

All experiments to reduce Lr<sup>3+</sup> to Lr<sup>2+</sup> or Lr<sup>+</sup> in aqueous solution were unsuccessful, indicating that these lower oxidation states are unlikely to exist in aqueous solution.

Related Concepts:

  • Were attempts to reduce Lr<sup>3+</sup> to Lr<sup>2+</sup> or Lr<sup>+</sup> in aqueous solution successful?: No, all experimental attempts to reduce Lr<sup>3+</sup> to Lr<sup>2+</sup> or Lr<sup>+</sup> in aqueous solution proved unsuccessful, mirroring the behavior of lutetium, which suggests these lower oxidation states are improbable in aqueous environments.

Lawrencium's ground-state electron configuration is [Rn]5f<sup>14</sup>6d<sup>1</sup>7s<sup>2</sup>, following the Aufbau principle.

Answer: False

While initially predicted to be [Rn]5f<sup>14</sup>6d<sup>1</sup>7s<sup>2</sup>, Lawrencium's ground-state electron configuration is now known to be the anomalous [Rn]5f<sup>14</sup>7s<sup>2</sup>7p<sup>1</sup>.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the initial prediction for Lawrencium's ground-state electron configuration, and why was it subsequently questioned?: In 1970, the ground-state electron configuration of lawrencium was initially predicted to be [Rn]5f<sup>14</sup>6d<sup>1</sup>7s<sup>2</sup>, adhering to the Aufbau principle and mirroring its lighter homolog, lutetium. However, calculations published the following year challenged this, proposing an anomalous [Rn]5f<sup>14</sup>7s<sup>2</sup>7p<sup>1</sup> configuration instead.

The s<sup>2</sup>p configuration in Lawrencium is energetically favored because the s and p<sub>1/2</sub> orbitals are relativistically stabilized.

Answer: True

The s<sup>2</sup>p configuration is energetically favored in Lawrencium because the spherical s and p<sub>1/2</sub> orbitals are relativistically stabilized due to their proximity to the nucleus and high velocity.

Related Concepts:

  • According to 1995 calculations, what is the rationale for the s<sup>2</sup>p configuration being energetically favored in Lawrencium?: Later 1995 calculations concluded that the s<sup>2</sup>p configuration is energetically favored because the spherical s and p<sub>1/2</sub> orbitals are located closest to the atomic nucleus and move with sufficient velocity that their relativistic mass significantly increases, leading to their stabilization.

Adsorption experiments in 1988 confirmed lawrencium's volatility, consistent with an s<sup>2</sup>p electron configuration.

Answer: False

Adsorption experiments in 1988 found no evidence of lawrencium being volatile, and its adsorption enthalpy was significantly higher than estimated for the s<sup>2</sup>p configuration, suggesting a different behavior.

Related Concepts:

  • How did adsorption experiments attempt to elucidate Lawrencium's electron configuration?: In 1988, scientists calculated that lawrencium's enthalpy of adsorption on metal surfaces would vary based on its electron configuration. The s<sup>2</sup>p configuration was predicted to be more volatile, akin to lead. However, experiments yielded no evidence of lawrencium's volatility, and its adsorption enthalpy on quartz or platinum was considerably higher than estimated for the s<sup>2</sup>p configuration, suggesting a divergent behavior.

The first ionization energy of lawrencium, measured at 4.96 eV, is the highest among all lanthanides and actinides.

Answer: False

The first ionization energy of lawrencium, measured at 4.96 eV, is the lowest among all lanthanides and actinides.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the measured first ionization energy of Lawrencium, and what are its implications for its periodic table placement?: In 2015, the first ionization energy of lawrencium was measured at 4.96 eV. This value is the lowest among all lanthanides and actinides, supporting the s<sup>2</sup>p configuration and suggesting that lawrencium, alongside lutetium, should be classified within the d-block rather than the f-block, consistent with the d-block trend.

Lawrencium can still be considered a d-block element despite its anomalous s<sup>2</sup>p ground-state configuration because its chemical behavior aligns with lutetium.

Answer: True

Even with the s<sup>2</sup>p ground-state configuration, lawrencium can still be considered a d-block element because its chemical behavior aligns with expectations for a heavier analog of lutetium, and the ds<sup>2</sup> configuration is a low-lying excited state.

Related Concepts:

  • How can Lawrencium still be categorized as a d-block element despite its anomalous ground-state electron configuration?: Even with the s<sup>2</sup>p ground-state configuration, the ds<sup>2</sup> configuration represents a low-lying excited state. Consequently, lawrencium can still be regarded as a d-block element, similar to chromium or copper, which also exhibit anomalous electron configurations, because its chemical behavior aligns with expectations for a heavier analog of lutetium.

Early experiments with <sup>256</sup>Lr used rapid solvent extraction with TTA, which could separate trivalent actinides from each other.

Answer: False

Early experiments with <sup>256</sup>Lr used rapid solvent extraction with TTA, which could separate ions of different charges but could not separate trivalent actinides from each other.

Related Concepts:

  • What purification method was employed for early experiments with <sup>256</sup>Lr, and what was its limitation?: Early experiments with <sup>256</sup>Lr utilized rapid solvent extraction with thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA) dissolved in methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) as the organic phase and buffered acetate solutions as the aqueous phase. While capable of separating ions of differing charges, this method could not differentiate between trivalent actinides, necessitating <sup>256</sup>Lr's identification by its emitted 8.24 MeV alpha particles.

More recent purification methods for Lawrencium have enabled rapid selective elution using α-HIB, improving separation.

Answer: True

More recent purification methods have enabled rapid selective elution using α-HIB, allowing for the separation of the longer-lived isotope <sup>260</sup>Lr and improving separation capabilities.

Related Concepts:

  • How have more recent purification methods enhanced the separation of Lawrencium isotopes?: More recent methods have facilitated rapid selective elution using α-HIB, enabling the separation of the longer-lived isotope <sup>260</sup>Lr. This isotope can be efficiently removed from the catcher foil using 0.05 M hydrochloric acid.

What is notable about Lawrencium's electron configuration for its position in the periodic table?

Answer: It has an s<sup>2</sup>p configuration, which is anomalous for its position.

Lawrencium's electron configuration is anomalous for its position in the periodic table, having an s<sup>2</sup>p configuration instead of the s<sup>2</sup>d configuration typically expected for its homolog lutetium.

Related Concepts:

  • What is distinctive about Lawrencium's electron configuration given its periodic table placement?: Lawrencium's electron configuration is anomalous for its position, featuring an s<sup>2</sup>p configuration rather than the s<sup>2</sup>d configuration typically anticipated for its homolog, lutetium. This anomaly does not, however, appear to significantly alter lawrencium's overall chemical behavior.

What physical state and appearance is Lawrencium predicted to have under normal conditions?

Answer: A solid, silvery metal

Lawrencium is predicted to be a silvery metal and is expected to be a solid under normal conditions.

Related Concepts:

  • What is Lawrencium's predicted appearance and physical state under standard conditions?: Lawrencium is predicted to be a silvery metal and is expected to exist as a solid under standard conditions.

What is the estimated enthalpy of sublimation for Lawrencium, and what does it suggest about its metallic nature?

Answer: 352 kJ/mol, suggesting it is a trivalent metal

The enthalpy of sublimation for lawrencium is estimated at 352 kJ/mol, a value that strongly suggests metallic lawrencium is trivalent.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the estimated enthalpy of sublimation for Lawrencium, and what does it suggest about its metallic character?: The enthalpy of sublimation for lawrencium is estimated at 352 kJ/mol, a value comparable to lutetium. This strongly implies that metallic lawrencium is trivalent, possessing three delocalized electrons, a prediction corroborated by extrapolations of other physical properties.

How does Lawrencium's expected metallic behavior differ from the immediately preceding late actinides (fermium and mendelevium)?

Answer: Lawrencium is expected to be trivalent, while they are known or expected to be divalent.

Lawrencium is expected to be trivalent, unlike the immediately preceding late actinides (fermium and mendelevium), which are known or expected to be divalent.

Related Concepts:

  • How does Lawrencium's anticipated metallic behavior diverge from the immediately preceding late actinides?: Lawrencium is expected to be trivalent, contrasting with the immediately preceding late actinides (fermium, mendelevium, and anticipated nobelium), which are known or predicted to be divalent. Its enthalpy of vaporization also aligns with the trend of succeeding 6d elements, supporting its classification as a group 3 element.

What did Glenn T. Seaborg predict about Lawrencium in 1949?

Answer: It would be the last actinide and the Lr<sup>3+</sup> ion would be as stable as Lu<sup>3+</sup>.

Glenn T. Seaborg predicted in 1949 that element 103 (lawrencium) would be the last actinide and that the Lr<sup>3+</sup> ion would be as stable as Lu<sup>3+</sup> in aqueous solution.

Related Concepts:

  • What did Glenn T. Seaborg predict about Lawrencium in 1949, and how was this later confirmed?: In 1949, Glenn T. Seaborg, the architect of the actinide concept, predicted that element 103 (lawrencium) would be the final actinide and that the Lr<sup>3+</sup> ion would exhibit stability comparable to Lu<sup>3+</sup> in aqueous solution. This prediction was experimentally validated decades later following lawrencium's conclusive synthesis.

What compound was most likely formed when Lawrencium reacted with chlorine in 1969 studies?

Answer: LrCl<sub>3</sub>

Studies in 1969 showed that lawrencium reacts with chlorine to form a product that was most likely the trichloride, LrCl<sub>3</sub>.

Related Concepts:

  • What compound was likely formed when Lawrencium reacted with chlorine in 1969 investigations?: Studies in 1969 indicated that lawrencium reacts with chlorine to form a product most likely identified as the trichloride, LrCl<sub>3</sub>.

What are the expected properties of Lawrencium compounds in aqueous solution?

Answer: Lawrencium is expected to exist as the trivalent Lr<sup>3+</sup> ion, and its compounds should be insoluble.

Lawrencium is expected to exist as the trivalent Lr<sup>3+</sup> ion in aqueous solution, meaning its compounds, such as lawrencium(III) fluoride (LrF<sub>3</sub>) and hydroxide (Lr(OH)<sub>3</sub>), should be insoluble in water.

Related Concepts:

  • What are the anticipated properties of Lawrencium compounds in aqueous solution?: Lawrencium is expected to exist as the trivalent Lr<sup>3+</sup> ion in aqueous solution, implying that its compounds, such as lawrencium(III) fluoride (LrF<sub>3</sub>) and hydroxide (Lr(OH)<sub>3</sub>), should be insoluble in water, consistent with other trivalent actinides.

What was the experimentally determined ionic radius for Lawrencium in later experiments?

Answer: 88.1 ± 0.1 pm, which was larger than expected.

Later experiments in 1987 and 1988 refined lawrencium's ionic radius to 88.1 ± 0.1 pm, which was found to be larger than expected from simple periodic trends.

Related Concepts:

  • What were the experimentally determined ionic radius and enthalpy of hydration for Lawrencium in later experiments?: Subsequent experiments in 1987 and 1988 refined lawrencium's ionic radius to 88.1 ± 0.1 pm and yielded an enthalpy of hydration value of -3685 ± 13 kJ/mol. This ionic radius was observed to be larger than predicted by simple periodic trends.

What was the initial prediction for Lawrencium's ground-state electron configuration in 1970?

Answer: [Rn]5f<sup>14</sup>6d<sup>1</sup>7s<sup>2</sup>

In 1970, the ground-state electron configuration of lawrencium was initially predicted to be [Rn]5f<sup>14</sup>6d<sup>1</sup>7s<sup>2</sup>, following the Aufbau principle.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the initial prediction for Lawrencium's ground-state electron configuration, and why was it subsequently questioned?: In 1970, the ground-state electron configuration of lawrencium was initially predicted to be [Rn]5f<sup>14</sup>6d<sup>1</sup>7s<sup>2</sup>, adhering to the Aufbau principle and mirroring its lighter homolog, lutetium. However, calculations published the following year challenged this, proposing an anomalous [Rn]5f<sup>14</sup>7s<sup>2</sup>7p<sup>1</sup> configuration instead.

What was the measured first ionization energy of Lawrencium in 2015?

Answer: 4.96 eV

In 2015, the first ionization energy of lawrencium was measured at 4.96 eV.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the measured first ionization energy of Lawrencium, and what are its implications for its periodic table placement?: In 2015, the first ionization energy of lawrencium was measured at 4.96 eV. This value is the lowest among all lanthanides and actinides, supporting the s<sup>2</sup>p configuration and suggesting that lawrencium, alongside lutetium, should be classified within the d-block rather than the f-block, consistent with the d-block trend.

What was a limitation of the rapid solvent extraction method used for early experiments with <sup>256</sup>Lr?

Answer: It could not separate trivalent actinides from each other.

The rapid solvent extraction method used for early experiments with <sup>256</sup>Lr could separate ions of different charges but could not separate trivalent actinides from each other.

Related Concepts:

  • What purification method was employed for early experiments with <sup>256</sup>Lr, and what was its limitation?: Early experiments with <sup>256</sup>Lr utilized rapid solvent extraction with thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA) dissolved in methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) as the organic phase and buffered acetate solutions as the aqueous phase. While capable of separating ions of differing charges, this method could not differentiate between trivalent actinides, necessitating <sup>256</sup>Lr's identification by its emitted 8.24 MeV alpha particles.

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