My element / Chemical disaster - Essay Example

My Element/ Chemical Disaster My Element and Symbol Coloradium (Cd) This element’s is derived from the whereit was discovered, which is Colorado State. Its symbol is Cd, which differentiates it from other elements and ensures its successful inclusion in the periodic table. Nuclide This element has 19 atoms in its nucleus and 19 electrons/Protons on its energy levels. It has 20 neutrons.Atomic Structure According to Bohr2:8:8:1. This implies that it has 4 Energy Levels. Electronic configuration1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s1Metal Or Non-MetalCd is a metal and its electronic configuration reveals that it is a member of the alkali group metals in the periodic table.

State Of MatterCd exists as a metal. Therefore, it is a solid. Physical PropertiesIt is a soft silvery metal. It is less dense than water. The average atomic mass of this element is 39.008. When boiled it melts point of 63oC.Chemical propertiesIt boiling point is 761oC. When exposed into the air it quickly oxidizes to a white solid. it reacts violently with water to give off hydrogen gas. It also reacts with acids and all non-acid metals like fluorine, nitrogen, chlorine and sulphur (Johnson, 2007, p73).

Application/UsesThis element in the human body helps in improving the normal functioning of the body just like alkali group metals (DemtröDer, 2010, p45). It can also be alloyed with sodium and used as a cooling agent in nuclear reactors. Coloradium Hydroxide (CdOH) is used to control pH value because it has a strong basic property thus can neutralize acids. A compound of Coloradium with cyanide can be used to dissolve precious metals like silver and gold (Johnson, 2007, p74). Thalidomide Tragedy: A Mother’s CryDuring the mid-summer of 2012, Alice walked, into her Gynecologist’s office, to be diagnosed of a suspected pregnancy, in California.

Over the past two weeks, she has been feeling ill every morning she wakes up. Her urine sample tested positive, and this was not in any doubt that she was pregnant. She then asked her doctor to prescribe her a drug that would alleviate morning sickness since this feeling made her feel so uncomfortable. The doctor, having read about Thalidomide some few weeks ago, prescribed it as the best drug for morning sickness. Alice then walked home a happy woman and every morning she used the drug according to the doctor’s prescription, she never experienced more morning sickness.

She used this drug for about four weeks after which she stopped. During her pregnancy, she could only feel minor abdominal pain, which the doctor described as a “normal experience during pregnancy”.During the summer of the following year (2013), the least than expected happened when Alice moved, into the Hospital, to deliver her baby who she was expecting so much. After about one hour of labor pain, nothing still promised that she could deliver through the natural birth. The doctors in charge, therefore, recommended Caesarian Section.

This process was successful, but unluckily enough, Alice gave birth to a baby who was termed as abnormal. The baby had a stunted growth since she was born weighing lesser than the average birth weight of a normal baby. The left limbs were missing, but the rights ones were present though shortened and flipper-like. Alice and her family were both shocked and begun wondering what must have happened. Her past health records revealed that this was something that required further investigation because her first child and even her family lineage including that of her husband had never experienced such a thing.

Investigation later revealed that Thalidomide was the most probable cause of these defects because the resulting symptoms were those associated with it (Odonnell, 2005, p97). The doctor was then blamed for prescribing a drug that he has not tested on an innocent victim. He was charged in the court of the law and paid a fine of $400,000. Additionally, his practicing license was revoked. BibliographyTop of FormDemtröDer, W. (2010). Atoms, molecules and photons: an introduction to atomic-, molecular- and quantum-physics ; with 42 tables.

Berlin, Springer.Top of FormJohnson, R. L. (2007). Atomic structure. Minneapolis, Twenty-First Century Books.Bottom of FormBottom of FormTop of FormOdonnell, J. T. (2005). Drug injury: liability, analysis and prevention. Tucson, Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company.Bottom of Form