Nobelium

Nobelium is a human-made element. It is named Alfred Nobel and is produced in low quantities. Based on the periodic table, it is categorised under the actinide series. To know about this element, students have to familiar with the periodic table in the first place.

It is vital to know the positions of various series. Besides, they should also be familiar with the positions of at least first twenty to twenty-five elements. Having clarity on the same will help them remember the associated information of those elements.

You should note that a specific series of elements have similar properties. Although their names might differ and a few other features might vary, yet they have multiple similarities. Hence, it is recommended to know about the periodic table.

Nobelium - General Properties

When you lookout for an element, it is vital that you develop an understanding of its physical properties. Named after the person who initiated awarding Nobel laureate, this element is a synthetic one. 

Also, this element is highly radioactive and produced as the result of a bombardment. It is divalent metal based on its position on the periodic table. It is preceded by mendelevium and followed by lawrencium.

Hence, by these two names, it might be clear to you that these elements are named after famous scientists. As already mentioned, identifying positions of elements is essential in order to take note of their properties. 

Nobelium - Physical Properties

Physical properties of an element determine how it performs as an individual element. Herein, you should note that physical properties or features do not take chemical reactions into account. 

It features only the part that this element performs as a single entity. Refer to the table for more information.

Therefore, now you are aware of the properties of nobelium. Make sure you revise the same on a regular basis so that you can remember the associated data for a longer time. Next, we have the chemical properties to look at.

Nobelium - Chemical Properties

Apart from physical properties, this element Nobelium has a range of chemical properties as well. These determine its nature about how reactive it is with other elements. However, all such features depend on its atomic structure.

So, let us first understand the atomic structure of nobelium element listed in the table below -

Hence, now you know the chemical properties as well. Herein, you should note the electronic configuration of the element. Additionally, the number of electrons, protons and neutrons are also vital. 

Alongside, the number of valence electrons is also important to understand the advance concepts of chemical reactions. You should be aware that for a bond to occur with another element, both should have valence electrons to form a bond. 

Also, you should note the oxidation states of nobelium as it will guide you in understanding the oxidation and reduction reactions of the element. It is similar to electron bookkeeping, as you can identify the number of electrons taking part in a reaction. 

Miscellaneous Properties of Nobelium

Nobelium is not a naturally occurring element. Hence it is likely to possess properties of its constituents. Otherwise, the way it is produced might also be responsible for determining its characteristics. 

Some of Its Properties Are Discussed Below -

• It is a rare earth metal. In simple words, since it is man-made, it is likely that these are not produced in vast quantities. Hence, it is hardly available in the environment. 

• Nobelium is a radioactive metal as well. The protons and neutrons of this metal are unstable. This leads to emission or radiation of energy. 

• Notably, this metal is divalent in aqueous solution. 

However, with all these properties listed above, it is clear that the metal possesses contradictory features. Do note, students must be careful while listing the properties of this rare earth metal. Furthermore, this can turn out to be a vital chapter in your curriculum especially since it is often given a decent weightage in the examinations.

Production of Nobelium

To study the production of this element, you need to be aware of the nobelium electron configuration as well. It is the atomic structure that reveals how an element might have been prepared.

By now, it is already cleared that nobelium is a human-made element. It is incapable of occurring freely in nature. The process by which nobelium is produced is nuclear bombardment. 

Californium 249 or any other transuranium atom is bombarded with carbon 12 ions. This process occurs in a cyclotron, thereby giving rise to the formation of this compound called nobelium.

You might notice here that there is no complicated step in the production of this element. However, it involves two constituents which are to be cautiously mentioned while writing an answer in the exam since they are radioactive and have very specific sets of properties.

So, ensure that you remember those names clearly along with their atomic number. This will help you in framing an answer that has accurate data. As a result, you can score higher in your exam. 

Effects of Nobelium

This element does not occur naturally in the environment. So, if you are looking for nobelium periodic table, you can find it between mendelevium and lawrencium. Understandably, it is very likely the element will possess similar properties as them.

Additionally, based on its properties, this element does not possess any harmful effects. Neither does it impact the environment, nor the living beings. The prime reason behind such behaviour is its highly unstable nature. 

Since this element is extremely unstable in its original form, it generally decomposes into other forms. As a result, it gets negligible time to cause any effect on its surrounding. 

Isotopes of Nobelium

Till date, twelve isotopes have been found. They all have a mass number from 250 to 262. Quite similar to the original form, these isotopes are also not stable. They also tend to decompose into other types quickly.

However, some of the isotopes have long-lived which are - 

• 259No - 51.5 minutes

• 255No - 31.8 minutes

• 253No - 1.7 minutes

In this regard, you should that these durations are half-life durations. Hence, students have to understand that it is not the entire lifetime of an element that is considered, in case it is radioactive. 

Such elements data solutions are necessary for a clear understanding of the advanced concepts as well. Also, the production process is mentioned above in this explanation, so you can have an idea of what this element is like. 

So, for every point, you read about nobelium as a metal, make sure you are getting an in-depth analysis of the same. This includes noting the various isotopes along with their varying properties.

Applications of Nobelium

Nobelium uranium are such metals which find application only in research purposes. They are highly radioactive and unstable. As a result, they mostly decompose into other forms. Besides, they also have multiple isotopes which are used in other purposes.

Out of all uses, research-related purposes are of prime significance. There are no specific applications of the same due to their undetectable nuclei. Students should, therefore, be very careful when writing about the uses of this element. 

To know more about nobelium and its features and properties, you can look into our online study programs. Our study materials are drafted by eminent faculty members who have years of teaching experience. Now you can also download our Vedantu app for enhanced accessibility to these materials and online interactive sessions.