Flerovium
Definition and meaning of Flerovium in chemistry.
![Flerovium element card: symbol Fl, atomic number 114, atomic mass [289], electron configuration [Rn] 5f¹⁴ 6d¹⁰ 7s² 7p², Unknown, group 14, period 7.](/assets/images/terms/flerovium-chemical-element.webp)
Flerovium is a highly radioactive, synthetic element identified by the symbol Fl and atomic number 114. This superheavy metal does not occur naturally anywhere in the crust of the Earth. Instead, scientists must artificially build it by crashing smaller atoms together inside particle accelerators.
In more detail
Flerovium sits in group 14 and period 7 of the periodic table directly below the metal lead. However, researchers predict that relativistic effects are extremely strong in this superheavy element. These effects occur when a heavy nucleus forces inner electrons to travel close to the speed of light.
This fast motion makes the outer electron shell highly stable and unwilling to form chemical bonds. Because of these weak bonds, flerovium might behave like a gas rather than a normal metal. Students often assume flerovium acts like lead because they are in the same group.
In reality, the heavy nucleus changes electron behavior, meaning flerovium is highly volatile. This means it turns into a gas easily and has very low boiling and melting points. Flerovium is highly unstable, and its most stable isotope has a half-life of only 1.9 seconds.
This short life makes it hard to measure, but gas chromatography tests show it is indeed volatile. Nuclear physicists study this element because it sits near the predicted island of stability. This island is a theoretical zone where certain superheavy elements might last for hours or days.
Key facts
| Field | General Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Fl |
| Atomic number | 114 |
| Atomic mass | [289] u |
| Category | Unknown |
| State at room temperature | Expected to be a highly volatile solid or gas |
Scientists synthesize flerovium by firing a high-speed beam of calcium-48 ions at a radioactive plutonium-244 target. The nuclei of these two elements fuse together to create a single atom of flerovium. This reaction is extremely rare and requires running a particle accelerator for several weeks to succeed. Scientists use this difficult process to probe the outer boundaries of the periodic table.
Frequently asked questions
Why is flerovium called a superheavy element?
It is superheavy because its atomic number is very large, placing it far beyond uranium on the periodic table.
Does flerovium conduct electricity like lead?
Probably not, because relativistic effects keep its outer electrons from moving freely to carry an electric current.
What is the island of stability?
It is a predicted group of superheavy isotopes that might decay much slower than current synthetic elements.
Related terms
Sources & references
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