Periodic table / Samarium

Overview

Samarium is a chemical element with symbol Sm and atomic number 62. It is a moderately hard silvery metal that readily oxidizes in air. Being a typical member of the lanthanide series, samarium usually assumes the oxidation state +3.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Samarium is [Xe] 4f6 6s2, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 24, 8, 2.

Physical and chemical properties

Samarium is classified as a lanthanide. It has an atomic mass of 150.362 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as silvery white.

Real-world uses of Samarium

Samarium, a lanthanide, is used in magnets, electronics, lighting, and other specialized high-tech applications.

Interesting facts about Samarium

• Samarium has the atomic number 62 and chemical symbol Sm.
• It belongs to period 6, group 3 of the periodic table.
• Samarium was discovered by Lecoq de Boisbaudran.

Explore Samarium interactively

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