Americium: Characteristics, Reactions, Physical and Chemical Properties

Americium is an actinide metal that belongs to a series of actinides. It is a fourth synthetic transuranium element that was named after the uranium element. Transuranium elements are those Elements which are present after the uranium atom and is synthesized by the human.

It was first discovered by Seaborg, James and Morgan in 1944. It was discovered in the laboratory of the University of Chicago. It was developed by the decay of plutonium atoms by the beta particles. The plutonium atom has been produced by the neutron bombardment. It was isolated as a pure compound city of Chicago. As was discovered in the University of Chicago it was named as americium (after america).

Characteristics Of Americium:

• This metal is a silvery white in structure.

• This metal poses a density similar to lead.

• It is a radioactive metal.

• It tarnishes and oxidizes in the dry air.

Physical And Chemical Properties Of Americium:

• The atomic number of this element is 95.

• Number of protons present in this element is 95.

• Atomic symbol of this element is Am

• Atomic mass of this element is 243.

• Density of this element is 13.69 grams per cubic centimetre.

• Element americium is found to be existing in the solid phase at room temperature.

• Its melting point was first found to be 2149°F.

• Its boiling point was found to be 2011°C.

• It poses approximately 19 radioactive isotopes.

• The stable isotope of this element is Am- 241.

Reaction Of Americium:

• It is a highly malleable metal that can be written into thin sheets.

• It is a highly ductile metal which can be drawn into thin wires.

• As observed, americium is a good conductor of electricity.

• This element reacts with the halogen group.

• This element reacts with the fluorine and leads to the formation of AmF4

Americium uses:

This element has many different uses but it does not occur naturally and it is synthesized artificially.

As it is very expensive to produce this element so it has limited Supply and only some of the industrial applications.

• In smoke detection :

It is used in the detection of smoke and can be found in detecting the smoke in our houses.

The commonly used devices are chimneys that are established in her home. The use of this element provides the supply of alpha particles which are required to ionize the molecule from the air and it acts as the symbol for detection of smoke.

• It is also used by space Travelers.

• It is used in the radiography that is used for the treatment of cancer.

• It is also used for the magnetic resonance imaging of the whole body for the detection of any disease.

• It is used for glass production also.

• It is used for many different spaceships for nucleus propulsion.