QUICK REFERENCE
- Symbol: Og
- Atomic Number: 118
- Atomic Weight: [294]
- Element Classification: Noble Gas
- Discovered By: Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (Dubna, Russia) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (California, USA)
- Discovery Date: 2002
- Name Origin: Named after Yuri Oganessian, a prominent Russian nuclear physicist who contributed to the discovery of superheavy elements
- Density(g/cc): Estimated to be around 4.9 (predicted)
- Melting Point: Unknown
- Boiling Point: Unknown
- Appearance: Presumed to be a gas under standard conditions, but its actual appearance is unknown due to its extreme radioactivity and scarcity
- Atomic Radius(pm): Estimated
Discovery
Oganesson was discovered in 2002 by a collaborative team from the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, USA. The element was synthesized by bombarding californium-249 with calcium-48 ions, leading to the production of oganesson-294. The discovery marked the final element to be officially recognized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) in 2016. Oganesson was named in honor of Yuri Oganessian, a Russian nuclear physicist known for his pioneering work in the synthesis of superheavy elements.
Relation to Other Elements
Oganesson belongs to group 18 of the periodic table, making it a noble gas. As such, it is anticipated to exhibit properties typical of other noble gases, such as helium, neon, argon, krypton, and xenon. However, the extreme conditions of its creation and its status as a superheavy element may result in unique chemical behaviors not observed in lighter noble gases.
Natural Occurrence
Oganesson does not occur naturally and is produced synthetically in nuclear reactors or particle accelerators.
Uses
The applications for oganesson are currently limited to scientific research due to its short half-life, high radioactivity, and the experimental nature of its production:
- Scientific Research: Oganesson is primarily used in scientific research to study the properties and behavior of superheavy elements. Research involving oganesson aims to understand its atomic structure, chemical reactivity, and potential applications in nuclear physics. The study of oganesson contributes to expanding our understanding of the periodic table and the fundamental principles of matter.
The discovery of oganesson represents a significant achievement in the field of nuclear chemistry and physics, furthering our knowledge of superheavy elements and their properties. While practical applications are currently limited, ongoing research into oganesson and other superheavy elements continues to push the boundaries of scientific understanding.