A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

105

Transition Metals

Meitnerium

Mt

109

Researchers think meitnerium might

be the densest of all elements. It is

very unstable, and even the atoms of its

most stable isotope, or form, break apart

in a matter of seconds. Meitnerium is named

after the Austrian physicist Lise Meitner,

to honour her achievements in physics.

Several universities, such as Humboldt

University in Berlin, Germany, also have

buildings in her name.

Lise Meitner (left) works with the German chemist Otto Hahn

Meitner Haus building,

Humboldt University, Germany

109 109 169

State: Solid

Discovery: 1982

104-105_Bohrium_Hassium_Meitnerium.indd 105 02/12/16 10:00 pm