Physical Properties of Polonium. I. Melting Point, Electrical Resistance, Density, and Allotropy

Abstract

Measurements on the electrical resistance, thermal coefficient of electrical resistance, melting point and density of polonium are reported. An abrupt change in the electrical resistance near 100°C indicates that polonium exists in two allotropic forms. Observations which indicate that the temperature for crystal transformation is a function of the size and history of the specimen are reported.