Periodic table / Americium

Overview

Americium is a radioactive transuranic chemical element with symbol Am and atomic number 95. This member of the actinide series is located in the periodic table under the lanthanide element europium, and thus by analogy was named after the Americas. Americium was first produced in 1944 by the group of Glenn T.Seaborg from Berkeley, California, at the metallurgical laboratory of University of Chicago.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Americium is [Rn] 5f7 7s2, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 32, 25, 8, 2.

Physical and chemical properties

Americium is classified as a actinide. It has an atomic mass of 243 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as silvery white.

Real-world uses of Americium

Americium is an actinide studied primarily in nuclear science and research due to its radioactive properties.

Interesting facts about Americium

• Americium has the atomic number 95 and chemical symbol Am.
• It belongs to period 7, group 3 of the periodic table.
• Americium was discovered by Glenn T. Seaborg.

Explore Americium interactively

Want to compare Americium with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Am to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.