Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive actinide considered as a potential fertile material in alternative nuclear fuel cycles.
Atomic number
90
Category
Actinide
Period
7
Group
f-block
State
Solid
Fun facts about Thorium
It is more abundant in Earth's crust than uranium.
Thorium-232 can absorb a neutron and ultimately form fissile uranium-233.
Thorium dioxide has an exceptionally high melting temperature.
Common uses of Thorium
Nuclear fuel-cycle research
High-temperature ceramics
Historical gas mantles
Where Thorium sits in the periodic table
Thorium belongs to the actinide series in period 7 and the f-block of the periodic table. Under the conditions represented in this reference, its state is solid.
Quick chemistry revision
For quick revision, pair the symbol Th with atomic number 90 and the listed atomic mass 232.04. The summary, facts, and uses above keep those element properties together in one reference.