Radioactive element (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: THORIUM (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Radioactive element" with 7 letters is "THORIUM".Thorium is a radioactive element with the symbol Th and atomic number 90, found in trace amounts in the Earth's crust. It is used as a potential fuel for nuclear reactors due to its ability to sustain a nuclear reaction, though it is less commonly utilized than uranium.
Why “Thorium” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) meaning “radioactive element.” The answer, THORIUM, fits exactly:
- Radioactive element: Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive chemical element with the symbol Th and atomic number 90.
- Direct match: With 7 letters, thorium perfectly matches the clue’s enumeration.
- Precise definition: Among radioactive elements, thorium is well-known, making it a textbook solution in this context.
Thorium has historical, scientific, and energy-related significance:
- Origin and naming: Discovered in 1828 by the Swedish chemist Jöns Jakob Berzelius, it was named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder.
- Uses: Primarily explored for use as nuclear fuel, thorium is also used in high-quality alloys, lamps, and scientific instruments.
- Examples: “Thorium was once used in gas mantles for lighting,” or “Scientists are researching thorium as an alternative nuclear fuel.”
Quick crossword clues like “radioactive element (7)” rely on knowledge of the periodic table:
- Other possible 7-letter elements, like radium (6) or uranium (7), may come to mind. However, thorium precisely fits both enumeration and the clue.
- The clue is a straightforward general knowledge one, pointing directly to a recognized element name.
- With exact length, scientific accuracy, and cultural recognition, thorium is the correct answer.
