Definition

A man-made, unstable element that is radioactive and has the atomic number 103. It is created from another element and has a very short lifespan before it decays.

Example

Lawrencium is used in scientific research due to its unique properties, despite its short half-life.

Conversation

Did you know there's an element called lawrencium?

Really? I've never heard of that one before.

Yeah, it's a synthetic element and very rare.

That sounds interesting! I wonder how they discovered it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lawrencium is named after the American chemist Ernest O. Lawrence, who invented the cyclotron, a type of particle accelerator. The suffix '-ium' is commonly used in the naming of chemical elements, derived from Latin, indicating a metallic element. Therefore, the name 'lawrencium' signifies a metallic element named in honor of Lawrence.

Memory Tip

Think of 'lawrencium' as a tribute to Ernest O. Lawrence, the inventor of the cyclotron, with '-ium' indicating that it is a metal.

Visually Confused Words