Atomic Mass
258.000000
u
Melting Point
1800.00
°C
Ionization Energy
6.50
kJ/mol
Mendelevium serves as a crucial stepping stone in superheavy element synthesis research, providing insights into nuclear shell structure and stability. Scientists use Md isotopes to understand the magic numbers that govern nuclear stability, particularly around the predicted "island of stability" for superheavy elements.
Research teams employ Mendelevium in nuclear fission studies to investigate spontaneous fission processes and alpha decay chains. The element's relatively long half-life (77.7 minutes for 256Md) makes it invaluable for studying transuranium element chemistry and physics properties.
Mendelevium enables groundbreaking research into superheavy element chemistry, allowing scientists to study oxidation states, complex formation, and chemical behavior of elements beyond the actinide series. These studies help validate theoretical predictions about electron configuration and chemical bonding in extreme atomic environments.
Physicists use Mendelevium data to refine nuclear models and calculations that predict the existence and properties of even heavier elements. This research drives the development of advanced particle accelerators and detection systems for future superheavy element discoveries.
While currently theoretical, understanding Mendelevium's properties contributes to research on exotic matter that could potentially revolutionize space propulsion systems and energy generation technologies in the distant future.
Mendelevium's primary applications remain confined to specialized nuclear research facilities worldwide. Major laboratories including Berkeley Lab, GSI Helmholtz Centre, and RIKEN use Mendelevium isotopes for fundamental nuclear physics research and superheavy element synthesis studies.
Research teams utilize Mendelevium in nuclear spectroscopy experiments to measure gamma-ray emissions, alpha decay energies, and fission fragment distributions. These measurements provide critical data for understanding nuclear shell effects and predicting properties of undiscovered superheavy elements.
Mendelevium serves as a benchmark element for testing quantum mechanical calculations and nuclear models. Scientists compare experimental data from Mendelevium isotopes with theoretical predictions to refine their understanding of nuclear forces and electron behavior in superheavy atoms.
The study of Mendelevium drives innovation in ultra-sensitive detection systems, including time-of-flight mass spectrometry, alpha-particle detectors, and sophisticated particle identification systems that advance our ability to study extremely rare nuclear processes.
Mendelevium does not occur naturally on Earth or anywhere in the observable universe. This superheavy element can only be created through artificial nuclear synthesis in sophisticated particle accelerators, making it one of the rarest substances ever produced by humanity.
Scientists create Mendelevium by bombarding einsteinium-253 targets with alpha particles (helium-4 nuclei) in cyclotrons or linear accelerators. The Berkeley team's original 1955 synthesis used just one billion einsteinium atoms, producing Mendelevium literally "one atom at a time" - a remarkable achievement in nuclear physics.
The most stable Mendelevium isotope, 258Md, has a half-life of only 51.5 days, meaning any Mendelevium atoms that might have existed during Earth's formation would have decayed billions of years ago. Current production yields are measured in individual atoms or small clusters.
Worldwide production of Mendelevium is estimated at fewer than a few thousand atoms per year across all research facilities combined. The element's synthesis requires rare einsteinium targets, advanced particle accelerators, and enormous amounts of energy, making it astronomically expensive to produce.
Unlike lighter elements formed in stellar nucleosynthesis, Mendelevium cannot be created in stars or supernovae due to its extremely short half-life and the specific nuclear reactions required for its synthesis. It represents purely human-made matter that pushes the boundaries of atomic existence.
Mendelevium was discovered on February 19, 1955, by the legendary team of Albert Ghiorso, Glenn T. Seaborg, Gregory Robert Choppin, Bernard G. Harvey, and Stanley G. Thompson at the University of California, Berkeley. This discovery marked a pivotal moment in the Cold War race to synthesize new elements.
The discovery had dramatic origins in nuclear weapons testing. In 1952, the Ivy Mike thermonuclear test - a 10-megaton hydrogen bomb explosion - created enough neutron flux to produce previously unknown elements. Radioactive debris from this Pacific test contained einsteinium-253, the crucial target material needed for mendelevium synthesis.
Using Berkeley's 60-inch cyclotron, the team bombarded just one billion einsteinium atoms with alpha particles - the first time in history a new element was produced and identified "one atom at a time." On that historic February morning, they detected five characteristic fission events that proved element 101's existence.
The element was named after Dmitri Mendeleev, creator of the periodic table, honoring his prediction that elements beyond uranium would be discovered. This naming represented both scientific tribute and Cold War diplomacy, acknowledging Russian scientific contributions during tense US-Soviet relations.
Glenn T. Seaborg called the discovery "one of the most dramatic in the sequence of transuranium elements," establishing new techniques for superheavy element research that remain fundamental to modern nuclear physics. The achievement demonstrated humanity's ability to create matter that had never existed in the universe.
DANGER: Mendelevium is an extremely radioactive synthetic element that poses severe health risks through alpha radiation, gamma emissions, and spontaneous fission. Even microscopic quantities require specialized containment and handling protocols in licensed nuclear facilities.
Mendelevium isotopes emit high-energy alpha particles that can cause severe radiation burns, genetic damage, and cancer if they contact living tissue. Internal contamination through inhalation or ingestion would be immediately life-threatening due to concentrated radiation dose to organs.
Research requires specialized hot cells, remote handling equipment, and continuous radiation monitoring. Personnel must wear complete radiation protection gear and work behind heavy shielding. Emergency decontamination procedures and medical radiation treatment must be immediately available.
Despite its short half-life, Mendelevium contamination creates persistent radioactive hazards through decay products and fission fragments. Specialized waste disposal protocols are required for all materials that contact Mendelevium, including laboratory equipment and protective clothing.
Essential information about Mendelevium (Md)
Mendelevium is unique due to its atomic number of 101 and belongs to the Actinide category. With an atomic mass of 258.000000, it exhibits distinctive properties that make it valuable for various applications.
Mendelevium has several important physical properties:
Melting Point: 1800.00 K (1527°C)
State at Room Temperature: solid
Mendelevium has various important applications in modern technology and industry:
Mendelevium serves as a crucial stepping stone in superheavy element synthesis research, providing insights into nuclear shell structure and stability. Scientists use Md isotopes to understand the magic numbers that govern nuclear stability, particularly around the predicted "island of stability" for superheavy elements.
Research teams employ Mendelevium in nuclear fission studies to investigate spontaneous fission processes and alpha decay chains. The element's relatively long half-life (77.7 minutes for 256Md) makes it invaluable for studying transuranium element chemistry and physics properties.
Mendelevium enables groundbreaking research into superheavy element chemistry, allowing scientists to study oxidation states, complex formation, and chemical behavior of elements beyond the actinide series. These studies help validate theoretical predictions about electron configuration and chemical bonding in extreme atomic environments.
Physicists use Mendelevium data to refine nuclear models and calculations that predict the existence and properties of even heavier elements. This research drives the development of advanced particle accelerators and detection systems for future superheavy element discoveries.
While currently theoretical, understanding Mendelevium's properties contributes to research on exotic matter that could potentially revolutionize space propulsion systems and energy generation technologies in the distant future.
Mendelevium was discovered on February 19, 1955, by the legendary team of Albert Ghiorso, Glenn T. Seaborg, Gregory Robert Choppin, Bernard G. Harvey, and Stanley G. Thompson at the University of California, Berkeley. This discovery marked a pivotal moment in the Cold War race to synthesize new elements.
The discovery had dramatic origins in nuclear weapons testing. In 1952, the Ivy Mike thermonuclear test - a 10-megaton hydrogen bomb explosion - created enough neutron flux to produce previously unknown elements. Radioactive debris from this Pacific test contained einsteinium-253, the crucial target material needed for mendelevium synthesis.
Using Berkeley's 60-inch cyclotron, the team bombarded just one billion einsteinium atoms with alpha particles - the first time in history a new element was produced and identified "one atom at a time." On that historic February morning, they detected five characteristic fission events that proved element 101's existence.
The element was named after Dmitri Mendeleev, creator of the periodic table, honoring his prediction that elements beyond uranium would be discovered. This naming represented both scientific tribute and Cold War diplomacy, acknowledging Russian scientific contributions during tense US-Soviet relations.
Glenn T. Seaborg called the discovery "one of the most dramatic in the sequence of transuranium elements," establishing new techniques for superheavy element research that remain fundamental to modern nuclear physics. The achievement demonstrated humanity's ability to create matter that had never existed in the universe.
Discovered by: <h3><i class="fas fa-flag-usa"></i> Berkeley Laboratory Triumph (1955)</h3> <p>Mendelevium was discovered on <strong>February 19, 1955</strong>, by the legendary team of Albert Ghiorso, Glenn T. Seaborg, Gregory Robert Choppin, Bernard G. Harvey, and Stanley G. Thompson at the University of California, Berkeley. This discovery marked a pivotal moment in the Cold War race to synthesize new elements.</p> <h3><i class="fas fa-bomb"></i> Cold War Nuclear Connection</h3> <p>The discovery had dramatic origins in nuclear weapons testing. In 1952, the <strong>Ivy Mike thermonuclear test</strong> - a 10-megaton hydrogen bomb explosion - created enough neutron flux to produce previously unknown elements. Radioactive debris from this Pacific test contained einsteinium-253, the crucial target material needed for mendelevium synthesis.</p> <h3><i class="fas fa-microscope"></i> One Atom at a Time</h3> <p>Using Berkeley's 60-inch cyclotron, the team bombarded just <strong>one billion einsteinium atoms</strong> with alpha particles - the first time in history a new element was produced and identified "one atom at a time." On that historic February morning, they detected five characteristic fission events that proved element 101's existence.</p> <h3><i class="fas fa-medal"></i> Nobel Legacy Naming</h3> <p>The element was named after <strong>Dmitri Mendeleev</strong>, creator of the periodic table, honoring his prediction that elements beyond uranium would be discovered. This naming represented both scientific tribute and Cold War diplomacy, acknowledging Russian scientific contributions during tense US-Soviet relations.</p> <h3><i class="fas fa-rocket"></i> Scientific Revolution</h3> <p>Glenn T. Seaborg called the discovery "one of the most dramatic in the sequence of transuranium elements," establishing new techniques for superheavy element research that remain fundamental to modern nuclear physics. The achievement demonstrated humanity's ability to create matter that had never existed in the universe.</p>
Year of Discovery: 1955
Mendelevium does not occur naturally on Earth or anywhere in the observable universe. This superheavy element can only be created through artificial nuclear synthesis in sophisticated particle accelerators, making it one of the rarest substances ever produced by humanity.
Scientists create Mendelevium by bombarding einsteinium-253 targets with alpha particles (helium-4 nuclei) in cyclotrons or linear accelerators. The Berkeley team's original 1955 synthesis used just one billion einsteinium atoms, producing Mendelevium literally "one atom at a time" - a remarkable achievement in nuclear physics.
The most stable Mendelevium isotope, 258Md, has a half-life of only 51.5 days, meaning any Mendelevium atoms that might have existed during Earth's formation would have decayed billions of years ago. Current production yields are measured in individual atoms or small clusters.
Worldwide production of Mendelevium is estimated at fewer than a few thousand atoms per year across all research facilities combined. The element's synthesis requires rare einsteinium targets, advanced particle accelerators, and enormous amounts of energy, making it astronomically expensive to produce.
Unlike lighter elements formed in stellar nucleosynthesis, Mendelevium cannot be created in stars or supernovae due to its extremely short half-life and the specific nuclear reactions required for its synthesis. It represents purely human-made matter that pushes the boundaries of atomic existence.
⚠️ Caution: Mendelevium is radioactive and requires special handling procedures. Only trained professionals should work with this element.
DANGER: Mendelevium is an extremely radioactive synthetic element that poses severe health risks through alpha radiation, gamma emissions, and spontaneous fission. Even microscopic quantities require specialized containment and handling protocols in licensed nuclear facilities.
Mendelevium isotopes emit high-energy alpha particles that can cause severe radiation burns, genetic damage, and cancer if they contact living tissue. Internal contamination through inhalation or ingestion would be immediately life-threatening due to concentrated radiation dose to organs.
Research requires specialized hot cells, remote handling equipment, and continuous radiation monitoring. Personnel must wear complete radiation protection gear and work behind heavy shielding. Emergency decontamination procedures and medical radiation treatment must be immediately available.
Despite its short half-life, Mendelevium contamination creates persistent radioactive hazards through decay products and fission fragments. Specialized waste disposal protocols are required for all materials that contact Mendelevium, including laboratory equipment and protective clothing.