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Understanding the element
Technetium (Tc) is chemical element 43. It belongs to the transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.
Where do we encounter it?
In practice, it turns up most often in medical imaging equipment, scientific research and nuclear medicine.
medical imaging equipmentscientific researchnuclear medicine
Standard atomic weightNo standard atomic weight
What its position in the table tells us
Technetium sits in period 5, group 7 and the D block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.
Worth remembering
Technetium is radioactive, so its chemistry cannot be separated from nuclear physics and radiation safety
Technetium is radioactive, so its chemistry cannot be separated from nuclear physics and radiation safety