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Where was the element francium first discovered?

ChemistryElements

Quick Answer

It was first identified in Paris, France, in 1939. Marguerite Perey discovered it while studying actinium decay.

The Full Story

Francium was first identified in 1939 by French physicist Marguerite Perey at the Curie Institute in Paris. She discovered it as a decay product of actinium, making it a highly radioactive and extremely rare element. Francium is the heaviest known alkali metal and is too scarce for practical collection in meaningful quantities. Perey’s discovery was a landmark for both nuclear chemistry and women in science.

Key Facts

1.Identified in 1939
2.By Marguerite Perey
3.At the Curie Institute in Paris

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"The rarest alkali metal was discovered in a Paris lab"