Neptunium (Np): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Neptunium is element 93 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 3DNeptunium quick facts
| Atomic number | 93 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Np |
| Atomic mass | 237 |
| Category | Actinide |
| Series and period | Actinides, period 7 |
| Block | f-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Rn] 5f⁴ 6d¹ 7s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 22, 9, 2 |
| Discovered | 1940, McMillan |
What is neptunium used for?
- Neutron detection instruments
- Scientific research
- Nuclear reaction studies
Interesting facts about neptunium
- Neptunium was the first synthetic transuranium element. Produced in a cyclotron in 1940
- Named after Neptune. The planet beyond Uranus (uranium)
- Neptunium-237 is produced in nuclear reactors and can theoretically be used as nuclear fuel
Neptunium was discovered in 1940 by McMillan in the United States.
Where neptunium sits on the periodic table
Neptunium is in the actinide series (period 7). Tap any element to open its page.
Other actinides
Neptunium questions
What is the atomic number of neptunium?
Neptunium has atomic number 93, so every neptunium atom has 93 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Np and its atomic mass is 237.
Is neptunium a metal?
Neptunium 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 neptunium?
The electron configuration of neptunium is [Rn] 5f⁴ 6d¹ 7s². Its electrons sit in 7 shells: 2, 8, 18, 32, 22, 9, 2.
What is neptunium used for?
Neptunium is used for neutron detection instruments, scientific research and nuclear reaction studies.
Who discovered neptunium?
Neptunium was discovered in 1940 by McMillan 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.