Name one use and danger of synthetic elements?

Answer 1

None of the synthetic elements (elements that do not occur naturally on earth and have only been produced artificially) have any known stable isotopes so they all decay releasing radioactivity, however none of the synthetic elements are particularly dangerous because they can only be synthesized in such small quantities that the radiation from their decay is negligible.

There are some elements that occur naturally but are more commonly synthesized for use in scientific experiments, atomic batteries for space probes, medicine for diagnostic tests or, in the case of plutonium, for nuclear weapons. All of the elements thus synthesized are radioactive to one degree or another.

Medical isotopes produced synthetically are generally a moderate radiation hazard if not handled properly; inhaling their dust can cause cancer.

Some of the other naturally occurring but often synthesized elements are less benign.

• Polonium was used in some early nuclear weapons and is highly radioactive. Fortunately it is only produced in very small quantities for industrial use (perhaps 100 g in a year). Applications typically utilize it in quantities less than 500 microcuries - which poses little hazard. It is notable that Alexander Litvinenko - a FSB and KGB agent who defected to the British was assassinated by an operative who slipped something like 10 micrograms of polonium into his tea - around 5 times the lethal dose.
• Actinium is also highly radioactive but has no industrial use due to its radioactivity and extremely high cost to produce. Scientists experimenting with actinium must take standard precautions for working with highly radioactive materials. Because it is only useful for scientific studies only minute quantities are produced.
• Proactinium is also highly radioactive but only useful for scientific studies, thus only extremely small quantities are produced.
• Neptunium is mostly useful as a precursor in the production of Plutonium. It has a very short half-life and is thus not as high risk as longer half-life materials. In the past it was produced and refined in enough quantity for scientists to find out it is pyrophoric; small grains of nearly pure neptunium will ignite spontaneously in air at room temperature.
• Plutonium has uses as fuel for nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. It is highly radioactive with the accompanying dangers of radiation. In the wrong hands it could also be used to produce a nuclear weapon or a "dirty bomb".

Answer 2

One use of synthetic elements is in the development of new materials for technology and scientific research. However, a danger associated with synthetic elements is their potential radioactive properties, which can pose health risks if not handled properly.

Answer 3

Neptunium decomposes to plutonium and is used.

Many are unstable- some are toxic

Answer 4

Why do I have to answer? I need the answer.