Promethium (Pm): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Promethium is element 61 on the periodic table, a lanthanide, 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 3DPromethium quick facts
| Atomic number | 61 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Pm |
| Atomic mass | 145 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Series and period | Lanthanides, period 6 |
| Block | f-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f⁵ 6s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 23, 8, 2 |
| Discovered | 1945, Marinsky |
What is promethium used for?
- Nuclear battery power source (historical pacemakers)
- Luminescent paint (historical)
- Thickness gauging in industry
Interesting facts about promethium
- Promethium has no stable isotopes. All are radioactive
- Named after Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods. A nod to the daring and dangers of nuclear science
- Promethium is so rare in nature (traces in uranium ore) that it was first confirmed from reactor fission products
Promethium was discovered in 1945 by Marinsky in the United States.
Where promethium sits on the periodic table
Promethium is in the lanthanide series (period 6). Tap any element to open its page.
Other lanthanides
Promethium questions
What is the atomic number of promethium?
Promethium has atomic number 61, so every promethium atom has 61 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Pm and its atomic mass is 145.
Is promethium a metal?
Promethium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a lanthanide, found in the lanthanide series (period 6).
What is the electron configuration of promethium?
The electron configuration of promethium is [Xe] 4f⁵ 6s². Its electrons sit in 6 shells: 2, 8, 18, 23, 8, 2.
What is promethium used for?
Promethium is used for nuclear battery power source (historical pacemakers), luminescent paint (historical) and thickness gauging in industry.
Who discovered promethium?
Promethium was discovered in 1945 by Marinsky 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.