THALLIUM

I am not sure whether this can count as one extra credit

point, but I would appreciate it.
By: Alexander Papazov
DISCOVERING THALLIUM
▪ Thallium (Tl) was discovered in 1861 by Sir William Crookes, using a method
called spectroscopy. Spectroscopy is the study of the interaction between matter and
electromagnetic radiation. The spectroscopes we used in Mr. Cunningham’s class are
an example of this method. There are multiple ways to cause an electromagnetic
radiation, using electricity is one of them.
 Thallium is classified as a
post-transition metal. All post-
transition metals are trying to fill
their valiance shell, unlike the
transitional metals, that are trying to
fill their inner shells first. They are
metals, so Thallium usually gives
electrons away rather than
accepting them. They also have
more than two electrons in their
valiance shells, making them not
terribly reactive.
 Thallium is a solid at room temperature with normal
pressure conditions. As you already know, it is a post-transition
metal with a silver color. It has a melting point of 577 degrees
Kelvin , and a boiling point of 1,746 Kevin. It has a bright
green spectral line.
THALLIUM SULFATE
Thallium sulfate is a specific salt with the chemical formula of Tl 2 S O4. This
salt is odorless and colorless. It used to be used in rat poison and insecticide, but has
been discontinued in the USA.
 Thallium oxide’s chemical
symbol is Tl2O3. It comes in a couple
different colors. It is most frequently
this dark green. It is used to make
glass that has a high index of
refraction. Refraction is the bending of
light. It happens with water too, just
stick a straw in your cup of water. It will
look like it bend where it touches the
top of the water.
THALLIUM SULFIDE
Thallium sulfide (Tl2S) is used in photocells because of its electrical
conductivity. Photocells are sensors that react based on the presence of light or
electromagnetic energy. Some examples of electromagnetic energy are light, heat,
and radio waves. It is defined as a form of energy that can be reflected of emitted
from objects through electrical or magnetic waves traveling through space.
Electrical conductivity is the rate at which heat, passes through a specified material.
 Gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation.
They arise from the nuclei of radioactive decay. Being
exposed to gamma rays is absolutely unhealthy. They raise
your risk of cancer significantly! That is when thallium comes
in. Thallium is used in equipment that can detect these
hazardous rays.