Po
Polonium
Z = 84 · Post-Transition Metal · 209.0 u
Nuclear Engineering Significance
Produced in lead-bismuth eutectic coolant via Bi-209(n,γ)Bi-210→Po-210. Po-210 is a highly radiotoxic alpha emitter (t₁/₂ = 138.4 d) that volatilizes readily, making it the dominant radiological hazard in LBE-cooled reactor systems. Drives extensive cover gas and filtration system design requirements.
Basic properties
- Atomic number (Z)
- 84
- Standard atomic mass
- 209.0 u
- Category
- Post-Transition Metal
Isotopes & cross-section data
No nuclide data for this element in the reference database.
The NRDP database focuses on nuclides relevant to reactor physics (fuels, moderators, structural materials, fission products, etc.). For full isotope data, see NNDC NuDat 3 or IAEA Nuclear Data Services.