Question

The elements with atomic numbers of 93 or greater are referred to as the elements.

Short answer

The elements with atomic numbers of 93 or greater are referred to as the Transuranium Elements.

Step-by-step solution

Understand atomic numbers and element classification

Atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. Elements can be categorized based on their atomic numbers. Elements are ordered in the periodic table according to their atomic numbers.

Identify elements with atomic numbers 93 or greater

The elements with atomic numbers of 93 or greater are referred to as the "Transuranium Elements". These elements are synthetic and unstable, meaning they have to be created in laboratories and exist only for a brief period before decaying into lighter elements.

Provide additional information about transuranium elements

Transuranium elements include elements like Neptunium (Np, atomic number 93), Plutonium (Pu, atomic number 94), and so on. They are mostly used in research, nuclear energy, and even some advanced medical treatments, but due to their instability they typically do not occur naturally. In conclusion, the elements with atomic numbers of 93 or greater are known as the Transuranium Elements.

Key concepts

Atomic Number

The atomic number of an element is a fundamental concept in chemistry, providing essential information about the structure of an atom. It specifically represents the number of protons located in the nucleus of an atom. This number is unique to each element, thus distinguishing one element from another. For example, hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, meaning it has 1 proton, while helium has an atomic number of 2 with 2 protons.

Understanding atomic numbers is crucial because:

• They determine the identity of the element.
• They help predict chemical properties and behavior.
• They dictate the order of elements in the periodic table.

The sequence of the periodic table is essentially in order of increasing atomic numbers, reflecting the periodic law where elements show repeating or periodic properties.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is an organized tabular display of all known chemical elements. It is arranged by increasing atomic numbers, allowing for the clear representation of periodic trends. The modern periodic table is often credited to Dmitri Mendeleev, who first recognized the 'periodic law' in the 1860s.

Key features of the periodic table include:

• Elements are ordered from left to right in increasing atomic numbers.
• Vertical columns, known as groups, contain elements with similar chemical behaviors.
• Horizontal rows called periods vary as you move from metals to non-metals.

Elements in the periodic table can be naturals, such as hydrogen, or transuranium artificial elements, which have higher atomic numbers and are placed beyond uranium (atomic number 92). These are typically synthesized in laboratories for research purposes.

Synthetic Elements

Synthetic elements are fascinating members of the periodic table. These are not found naturally on Earth but are artificially created in laboratories. Typically, elements beyond uranium in the periodic table (atomic number 92) are considered synthetic, like those with atomic numbers 93 and higher, known as transuranium elements.

Characteristics of synthetic elements:

• They are often unstable, meaning they have short half-lives and decay into lighter elements.
• Mostly synthesized in particle accelerators or nuclear reactors.
• Have applications in scientific research, with some in nuclear energy and medical fields.

Examples of synthetic elements include Neptunium and Plutonium, created through complex nuclear reactions. While they are intriguing for scientific exploration, their instability limits their use outside controlled environments.