Americium (Am): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Americium is element 95 on the periodic table, an actinide, so it is a metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DAmericium quick facts
| Atomic number | 95 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Am |
| Atomic mass | 243 |
| Category | Actinide |
| Series and period | Actinides, period 7 |
| Block | f-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Rn] 5f⁷ 7s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 25, 8, 2 |
| Discovered | 1944, Seaborg |
What is americium used for?
- Smoke detectors (Am-241 ionisation source)
- Neutron sources for well logging
- Medical research
Interesting facts about americium
- Every ionisation smoke detector in your house contains a tiny amount of americium-241
- Named after the Americas. By analogy with europium (named after Europe)
- The americium in a smoke detector emits just enough radiation to ionise air and detect smoke particles
Americium was discovered in 1944 by Seaborg in the United States.
Where americium sits on the periodic table
Americium is in the actinide series (period 7). Tap any element to open its page.
Other actinides
Americium questions
What is the atomic number of americium?
Americium has atomic number 95, so every americium atom has 95 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Am and its atomic mass is 243.
Is americium a metal?
Americium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as an actinide, found in the actinide series (period 7).
What is the electron configuration of americium?
The electron configuration of americium is [Rn] 5f⁷ 7s². Its electrons sit in 7 shells: 2, 8, 18, 32, 25, 8, 2.
What is americium used for?
Americium is used for smoke detectors (am-241 ionisation source), neutron sources for well logging and medical research.
Who discovered americium?
Americium was discovered in 1944 by Seaborg in the United States.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.