Livermorium
Definition and meaning of Livermorium in chemistry.
Livermorium is a synthetic, highly radioactive superheavy element designated by the symbol Lv and atomic number 116. It is created artificially in high-energy nuclear accelerators and does not occur naturally anywhere in the observable universe.
In more detail
As a member of group 16 and period 7, livermorium sits beneath polonium on the periodic table. It is classified theoretically as a post-transition metal or a superheavy chalcogen, although its behavior is dominated by nuclear instability. Relativistic modeling indicates its chemical properties might deviate significantly from lighter chalcogens like oxygen or sulfur, preferring a +2 oxidation state over the typical +4 or +6 states. The most stable known isotope is livermorium-293, which possesses a remarkably short half-life of about 53 milliseconds. Because it decays so swiftly via alpha emission into flerovium, its bulk physical properties such as density, melting point, and macroscopic appearance can only be estimated through computational chemistry.
Key facts
| Field | General Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Lv |
| Atomic number | 116 |
| Atomic mass | [293] u |
| Category | Unknown |
| State at room temperature | Expected to be a solid |
| Year discovered | 2000 |
| Common uses | Used exclusively for fundamental nuclear research |
Scientific teams synthesize livermorium by directing a high-energy beam of calcium-48 ions at a curium-248 target.
Frequently asked questions
How long does livermorium last?
Its longest-lived known isotope lasts for only about 53 milliseconds before decaying.
What is livermorium used for?
There are no practical applications for livermorium; it is produced solely to expand our understanding of atomic nuclei.