Francium
FRAN-si-em
Francium (Fr) is thought to be a gray colored metal that has the atomic number 87 in the periodic table. It is an Alkali Metal with the symbol Fr and is located in Group 1 of the periodic table.
Francium was discovered in 1939 by Marguerite Perey at the Curie institute in Paris. Perey was interested in the decay of actinium to produce a new element which she named after her home country, France. It was the last natural element to be discovered as anything discovered after this is a synthetic element that is made in the lab. Due to its radioactivity Francium rapidly decays meaning it is very rare. It is a solid metal at room temperature and it has a melting point of -27°c and a boiling point of 677°c. Only a few atoms of Francium have ever been isolated as creating or obtaining a large sample is very difficult. It is not known wether it would be a solid or a liquid at room temperature or what colour it would be. Francium has no commercial uses but is commonly used in subatomic experiments.
FAQ's
Marguerite Derey
1939
Uses
Since its isotopes have such short half-lives there are no commercially significant compounds of francium.
Sources
Formed by decay of actinium. Chemical properties similar to cesium. Decays to radium or astatine.
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
Fr
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