Page 81 - The Periodic Table Book

43
Tc Technetium

42 42 54

State: Solid Transition Metals
Discovery: 1781 State: Solid
43 43 55 Discovery: 1937

This pure form of
the metal is produced
inside nuclear reactors.

This body scan
was created using
the radioactive
effects of technetium.

Technetium-based imaging

This experimental sports car produced in a reactor
is built with a rust-resistant alloy This box contains radioactive molybdenum,
that contains molybdenum. which breaks down into technetium.
Foil of pure technetium

Generating technetium
Vencer
Sarthe

Technetium was the first element to be produced artificially by
researchers. It is named after the Greek word for artificial, tekhnetos.
are hard enough for Technetium does not exist in nature: any of its atoms that once existed on
making sturdy tools, too. Earth broke down millions of years ago. Tiny amounts of this element were
Molybdenum alloys are discovered in the waste produced by early nuclear reactors. Technetium is
used in the latest designs the lightest radioactive element. It is used extensively in medical imaging.
of supercars, such as the It is injected into a patient’s body, where it emits radiation for a short
Vencer Sarthe. while. Some machines use this radiation to show bones clearly. 79

078-079_Molybdenum_Technetium.indd 79 02/12/16 6:52 pm