Bismuth nuclear properties

Ununpentium is also known as eka-bismuth because it is homologous to the element bismuth located at the bottom of Group 15 (VA). Its melting point, boihng point, and density are unknown as are many of its other properties. Several isotopes of element 115 were produced by the nuclear reaction that bombarded calcium into a target americium, resulting in the fusion of the calcium nuclei with the americium nuclei to form isotopes of element 115 (ununpentium). 

Bismuth (Z = 83) is the heaviest stable element in group 15 (VA) of the periodic table (see Periodic Table Trends in the Properties of the Elements). The Bi isotope, which is 100% abundant, has a 9/2 nuclear spin. Bi, an alpha emitter is used in nuclear medicine as a radiotherapeutic agent. Bismuth has two stable oxidation states Bi(V), corresponding to complete loss of the valence electrons, and Bi(III), a lower oxidation state that retains two valence electrons. Both oxidation states are diamagnetic. The latter is more stable and more common since Bi(V) has a large reduction potential ... 

Wiswall Jr., R. H., Egan, J. J., Thermodynamic properties of solutions of the actinides and the principle fission products in bismuth, Thermodynamics of nuclear materials, Proc. Int. Symp., pp.345-363, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria, (1963). Cited on pages 334,335,480. 

The displacement law provided for harmonious relationship between radioactive families and the periodic system of elements. After several successive alpha and beta decays the originators of the families converted into stable lead giving rise in the process to the natural radioactive elements found between uranium and bismuth in the periodic table. But then each box in the system had to accommodate several radioelements. They had identical nuclear charges but different masses, that is, they looked as varieties of a given element with identical chemical properties but different masses and radioactive characteristics. In December 1913 Soddy suggested the name isotopes for such varieties of elements (from the Greek for the common place ) because they occupy the same box in the periodic system. 

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development — Nuclear Energy Agency, 2015. Handbook on Lead-Bismuth Eutectic Alloy and Lead Properties, Materials Compatibility, Thermal-Hydraulics and Technologies — 2015 edition. NBA No.7268, 954 pp. 

Among liquid metal candidates, mercury (Hg), sodium-potassium (NaK) alloy, sodium (Na), lead (Pb), and lead-bismuth eutectic (Pb-Bi) have been considered and used to build and operate liquid metal nuclear systems. However, liquid Na became the most smdied and used option mainly because it allowed, together with the selection of an appropriate fuel type (e.g., metal or oxide fuel), for a lower doubling time. On the other hand, hquid Hg was abandoned due to its toxicity, high vapor pressure and low boiling temperature as well as poor nuclear and heat transfer properties. More recently, in the framework of Generation IV, the development of fast reactors cooled with liquid metals considers hquid Na but also liquid Pb and liquid Pb-Bi as coolant... 

Table 23-1 summarizes the physical properties of bismuth which are rele ant to nuclear reactor design and in the temperature range of practical interest from the standpoint of electrical power generation [5,6]. 

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