polônio

Polônio is a chemical element with the symbol Po and atomic number 84. It is a rare and highly radioactive metalloid. Polônio is a member of the chalcogen group, lying below tellurium and above livermorium in the periodic table. It is a solid at room temperature, exhibiting a silvery-white appearance.

The element was discovered in 1898 by Marie Curie and Pierre Curie, who named it after Poland, Marie Curie's native country. Polônio is found in trace amounts in uranium ores, where it is a decay product. It can also be produced artificially by bombarding bismuth with neutrons.

Polônio is extremely toxic due to its intense radioactivity. Its most common isotope, polonium-210, emits alpha particles, which are highly energetic but have a short range. When ingested or inhaled, polônio-210 can cause severe damage to internal tissues. Historically, it has been used in some industrial applications, such as static eliminators, but its use is now heavily restricted. It is also a substance of concern due to its potential use as a radiological weapon.