Americium (Am)
Americium (Am, element 95) is an actinide in period 7. Atomic mass 243, electron configuration [Rn] 5f⁷ 7s², uses and facts.
About Americium
Americium is an actinide with the symbol Am and atomic number 95. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in period 7 of the periodic table. Americium was discovered in 1944 by Glenn Seaborg.
Americium key facts
- Atomic number: 95
- Symbol: Am
- Atomic mass: 243 u
- Category: actinide
- Group: none (f-block)
- Period: 7
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Rn] 5f⁷ 7s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.3
- Melting point: 1449 K (1175.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 2880 K (2606.85 °C)
- Density: 12 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: +2, +3, +4, +5, +6, +7
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of americium is [Rn] 5f⁷ 7s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of americium
- Smoke detectors
- Research
- Medical imaging
Did you know?
Americium-241 is used in household smoke detectors. Every smoke detector contains a tiny amount of this element.
Neighbouring elements
- Plutonium (Pu)
- Curium (Cm)
- Actinium (Ac)
- Thorium (Th)
- Protactinium (Pa)
- Uranium (U)
- Neptunium (Np)
- Plutonium (Pu)
- Curium (Cm)
- Berkelium (Bk)
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of americium?
The atomic number of americium is 95, which means every americium atom has 95 protons.
What is the electron configuration of americium?
The electron configuration of americium is [Rn] 5f⁷ 7s².
What group and period is americium in?
Americium is an actinide in period 7.
What state is americium at room temperature?
Americium is a solid at room temperature.
What is americium used for?
Americium is used for smoke detectors, research, medical imaging.