Samarium (Sm)
Samarium (Sm, element 62) is a lanthanide in period 6. Atomic mass 150.36, electron configuration [Xe] 4f⁶ 6s², uses and facts.
About Samarium
Samarium is a lanthanide with the symbol Sm and atomic number 62. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in period 6 of the periodic table. Samarium was discovered in 1879 by Paul Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran.
Samarium key facts
- Atomic number: 62
- Symbol: Sm
- Atomic mass: 150.36 u
- Category: lanthanide
- Group: none (f-block)
- Period: 6
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f⁶ 6s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.17
- Melting point: 1345 K (1071.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 2067 K (1793.85 °C)
- Density: 7.52 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: +2, +3
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of samarium is [Xe] 4f⁶ 6s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of samarium
- Magnets
- Cancer treatment
- Lasers
Did you know?
Samarium-cobalt magnets retain their magnetism at higher temperatures than neodymium magnets.
Neighbouring elements
- Promethium (Pm)
- Europium (Eu)
- Lanthanum (La)
- Cerium (Ce)
- Praseodymium (Pr)
- Neodymium (Nd)
- Promethium (Pm)
- Europium (Eu)
- Gadolinium (Gd)
- Terbium (Tb)
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of samarium?
The atomic number of samarium is 62, which means every samarium atom has 62 protons.
What is the electron configuration of samarium?
The electron configuration of samarium is [Xe] 4f⁶ 6s².
What group and period is samarium in?
Samarium is a lanthanide in period 6.
What state is samarium at room temperature?
Samarium is a solid at room temperature.
What is samarium used for?
Samarium is used for magnets, cancer treatment, lasers.