A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

79

Transition Metals

Molybdenum, Technetium

Tc

43

Technetium was the first element to be produced artificially by

researchers. It is named after the Greek word for artificial, tekhnetos.

Technetium does not exist in nature: any of its atoms that once existed on

Earth broke down millions of years ago. Tiny amounts of this element were

discovered in the waste produced by early nuclear reactors. Technetium is

the lightest radioactive element. It is used extensively in medical imaging.

It is injected into a patient’s body, where it emits radiation for a short

while. Some machines use this radiation to show bones clearly.

43 43 55

State: Solid

Discovery: 1937

State: Solid

Discovery: 1781

42 42 54

This experimental sports car

is built with a rust-resistant alloy

that contains molybdenum.

This body scan

was created using

the radioactive

effects of technetium.

Foil of pure technetium

produced in a reactor

This box contains radioactive molybdenum,

which breaks down into technetium.

Technetium-based

imaging

Vencer

Sarthe

Generating technetium

This pure form of

the metal is produced

inside nuclear reactors.

are hard enough for

making sturdy tools, too.

Molybdenum alloys are

used in the latest designs

of supercars, such as the

Vencer Sarthe.

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