Element Story - Radium Edition

Radium is an element with atomic number 88, belonging to the alkaline earth metals in Group 2 of the periodic table. All of its isotopes are radioactive, with Radium-226, produced during the decay of Uranium-238, being the most representative in nature. Although radium is known as a silvery-white metal, its radioactivity is extremely high, and its natural abundance is so scarce that it is difficult to handle pure metal directly. Radium was historically used for medical purposes due to the expectation that radiation would be effective in treating diseases, and it was also used in luminous paints for watches and instrument panels. However, as it became known that radiation could damage human cells and tissues, these uses were discontinued or significantly restricted. The decay process of Radium-226 produces Radon-222, which then proceeds through various radioactive elements to become stable Lead-206. In the universe, radium is not directly created through stellar nucleosynthesis but is formed during the decay of heavy radioactive elements. Studying the existence and decay of radium can help in understanding radioactive decay series and the origin of heavy elements.