If you think to thorium applications some thorium uses are:
- fertile material (as ThO2) in nuclear power reactors; is a precursor of the fissile isotope 233U.
- thorium dioxide can be used as refractory material for crucibles, tubes, rods, etc.
- thorium tetrafluoride (ThF4) is used as anti-reflection coating in optics.
- gas mantles (as ThO2)
- alloying metal for some aviation components (magnesium-thorium alloy, magnesium-zinc-thorium); also for welding alloys wolfram-thorium
- additive (as ThO2) in wolfram filaments - to stop crystalline growth of W and to increase time of use of light bulbs
- catalyst in organic chemistry (as ThO2)
- additive for special glass (as ThO2)
- additive in filaments (as ThO2) of magnetron tubes
- reagent in chemistry laboratories (as thorium nitrate)
- etc.
Branching decay occurs in the thorium series because there are multiple pathways for the decay of thorium nuclei. Thorium can decay through alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, and other processes, leading to different end products with varying probabilities. These branching decay pathways contribute to the overall complexity of the thorium decay chain.
Thorium itself is odorless in its natural state. However, thorium compounds may have a slight metallic or musty odor. It is always important to handle thorium with proper precautions due to its radioactive properties.
Some thorium ores are monazite, thorianite, thorite.
Thorium is generally known by its chemical name "Thorium." However, it may also be referred to as "Th" on the periodic table.
Thorium is a tetravalent element (4+).
Yes, it is legal to own thorium in the form of thorium compounds or products that contain thorium. However, regulations vary by country and region, so it is important to check local laws and regulations before acquiring or possessing thorium.
Branching decay occurs in the thorium series because there are multiple pathways for the decay of thorium nuclei. Thorium can decay through alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, and other processes, leading to different end products with varying probabilities. These branching decay pathways contribute to the overall complexity of the thorium decay chain.
Common compounds of thorium: thorium dioxide, thorium trifluoride, thorium tetrafluoride, thorium tetrachloride, thorium triiodide, thorium diiodide, thorium tetraiodide, thorium nitrate, thorium oxalate, thorium carbide, thorium sulfides, thorium nitride, thorium oxinate, etc.
Polonium isotopes are decay products of thorium or uranium.
Thorium and fluorine Thorium trifluoride - ThF3 Thorium tetrafluoride - ThF4
Hazards and Health Considerations: Thorium presents both a toxic and radiological hazard. Toxicologically, it causes heavy metal poisoning similar to lead or the uranium isotopes. Biologically, thorium accumulates in the skeletal system where it has a biological half-life of 200 years, the same as plutonium. An M 17 protective mask and standard anti-contamination clothing will adequately protect against thorium.
1. The external irradiation from thorium is not so important. 2. Inhalation or ingestion of thorium is dangerous because thorium is radioactive (it is an alpha emitter) and also release radon by decay.
Thorium is a natural, radioactive, chemical element; chemically, thorium is homogeneous.
Also thorium.
The chemical symbol of thorium is Th.
232Th has 142 neutrons and 90 protons and electrons.
Thorium as a metal is obtained by a calciothermic process from thorium dioxide. Other methods are: electrolysis of thorium tetrafluoride and thermal decomposition of thorium tetraiodide (Van Arkel-de Boer process).