Mendelevium (Md) Fun Facts

101 Md
Superhero Identity

"The Table-Setter, a hero named after the visionary who organized all the elements, created one atom at a time."

The true essence of Mendelevium (Md) on the molecular frontier.

Appearance

Mendelevium is a synthetic, highly radioactive metal.

Everyday Connection

Mendelevium has no everyday connection, used only in research.

In Pop Culture

Mendelevium was the first element synthesized and identified one atom at a time.

Did You Know?

1

It is named in honor of Dmitri Mendeleev, the Russian chemist who created the periodic table.

2

It was the first element to be synthesized one atom at a time. The initial experiment in 1955 produced only 17 atoms.

3

The experiment to create it was so sensitive that the scientists set up their equipment so that any new atoms would be collected on a piece of gold foil that they would then rush to a lab to analyze before they decayed.

4

Its chemical properties were studied using these single atoms, which was a groundbreaking achievement.

5

Its most stable isotope has a half-life of about 51 days.