88 Ra ATOMIC MASS [226]

ELEMENT 88 · ALKALINE EARTH METAL

Radium (Ra)

Radium is a radioactive alkaline earth metal once used widely in luminous products before its severe health hazards were understood.

Atomic number
88
Category
Alkaline earth metal
Period
7
Group
2
State
Solid

Fun facts about Radium

  • Its decay produces radon gas.
  • Radium can substitute for calcium and accumulate in bone.
  • Historical radium paints exposed workers to dangerous radiation.

Common uses of Radium

  • Targeted radiotherapy using selected isotopes
  • Historical luminous paint
  • Research

Where Radium sits in the periodic table

Radium is classified as a alkaline earth metal in period 7 and group 2 of the periodic table. Under the conditions represented in this reference, its state is solid.

Quick chemistry revision

For quick revision, pair the symbol Ra with atomic number 88 and the listed atomic mass [226]. The summary, facts, and uses above keep those element properties together in one reference.