When was francium discovered and by whom?

Answer 1

Radon (element #86) was discovered in 1900. Francium (#87) was discovered in 1939. Francium is the second rarest naturally occurring element. It is also one of the most reactive elements known to man and has a high isotopic instability, with a half life of about 22 minutes. Francium is a part of the Alkali metals group, which are all quite reactive with water and air, Francium being the most reactive. Francium will react explosively upon contact with air, and you wouldn't want to be there if it came into contact with water.

Answer 2

Francium is a natural chemical element but the total quantity of francium in the earth crust is only approx. 30 g. Francium has ca. 40 isotopes and isomers but only two are natural: 221Fr (in the neptunium decay chain series) and 223Fr (in the actinium decay chain series). Artificially preparation of francium isotopes is also extremely difficult and expensive; and the chemistry and physics of isotopes was developed essentially after 1940. Supplementary, the most stable isotope of francium has a half life of only 21,8 minutes and is strongly radioactive; the half lives of the artificially prepared isotopes are more smaller.

This is sufficient reason to explain why francium was later discovered and why even today is only slightly studied.

Answer 3

Francium was discovered by chance by Marguerite Perey in 1939 during a study on actinium-227: she observed an energy level of radiation possibly attributable to a new element. After some chemical experiments she was sure that the radiation is from a new chemical element, after this called francium.

Answer 4

francium was discovered in 1939 by Marguerite Perey it is actually natural element it was not invented.

Answer 5

Francium was discovered by Marguerite Perey in 1939.

Answer 6

Francium was discovered by Marguerite Perey in 1939 in France.

Answer 7

Francium was discovered (not invented !) by Marguerite Perey in 1939.