QUICK REFERENCE
- Symbol: Ts
- Atomic Number: 117
- Atomic Weight: [294]
- Element Classification: Halogen
- Discovered By: Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (Dubna, Russia) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Tennessee, USA)
- Discovery Date: 2010
- Name Origin: Named after the state of Tennessee, reflecting the collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Density(g/cc): Estimated to be around 7.2 (predicted)
- Melting Point: Unknown
- Boiling Point: Unknown
- Appearance: Presumed to be a solid under standard conditions, but its actual appearance is unknown due to its extreme radioactivity and scarcity
- Atomic Radius(pm): Estimated
Discovery
Tennessine was discovered in 2010 by a collaborative team from the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, USA. The element was synthesized by bombarding berkelium-249 with calcium-48 ions, leading to the production of tennessine-294. The discovery marked the first time an element was named after a state in the United States and was officially recognized in 2016. The name “tennessine” acknowledges the contributions of researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and their collaboration with the JINR.
Relation to Other Elements
Tennessine is located in group 17 of the periodic table, making it a halogen. As such, it is anticipated to exhibit some chemical properties similar to those of its halogen group counterparts, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. However, the extreme conditions of its creation and its position as a superheavy element may result in unique chemical behaviors not observed in lighter halogens.
Natural Occurrence
Tennessine does not occur naturally and is produced synthetically in nuclear reactors or particle accelerators.
Uses
The applications for tennessine are currently limited to scientific research due to its short half-life, high radioactivity, and the experimental nature of its production:
- Scientific Research: Tennessine is primarily used in scientific research to study the properties and behavior of superheavy elements. Research involving tennessine aims to understand its atomic structure, chemical reactivity, and potential applications in nuclear physics. The study of tennessine contributes to expanding our understanding of the periodic table and the fundamental principles of matter.
The discovery of tennessine 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 tennessine and other superheavy elements continues to push the boundaries of scientific understanding.