Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Promethium exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the lanthanide family, governed by an electronegativity of 1.13 and standard valence interactions.
Z = 61Lanthanide
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabPromethium
Pm
Standard Atomic Mass: 145 u
Period 6Group 3F-Block
Chemical Specimen/Pm
Concentric Electron Shells6 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 18e⁻→
n=4: 23e⁻→
n=5: 8e⁻→
n=6: 2e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Lanthanide
3D Atom SimulatorPromethium (Pm) Scientific Profile
Promethium (Pm) is an element with atomic number 61, classified as a lanthanide. Positioned in Period 6, Group 3, and F-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([Xe]4f⁵6s²) and periodic trends.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Promethium
3D Orbitals & Valence Lab
Simulate concentric quantum energy levels, observe valence electron spins, and examine live atomic clouds in full 3D.
Electronic Configuration Lab
Experiment with Aufbau subshell ordering, explore orbital occupancy, and analyze quantum configuration exceptions.
Electron Config
[Xe]4f⁵6s²
Electronegativity
1.13 Pauling
Year Discovered
1945
Orbital Shells
6 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
f-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 3 • P: 6
Technological Utility
Industrial & Energy Applications
Promethium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Promethium does not play a prominent biological role in human biochemistry, existing primarily as a trace element or mineral component in natural ecosystems.
Geochemistry & Abundance
Cosmic & Terrestrial Occurrence
Elements like Promethium are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Promethium is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Promethium
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Promethium?
Promethium (Pm) has an atomic number of 61 and a standard atomic mass of 145 u. It is positioned in Period 6, Group 3, in the F-block, and is classified within the Lanthanide category.
Q
What is the electron configuration of Promethium?
The ground-state electron configuration of Promethium is [Xe]4f⁵6s². Its 61 electrons are distributed across 6 principal energy levels (2, 8, 18, 23, 8, 2).
Q
Why does Promethium exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Promethium follows standard Aufbau principle orbital filling. Transition metals and heavy elements optimize their shell filling based on subshell exchange energy and electrostatic stability.
Q
What are the primary commercial and laboratory uses of Promethium?
Promethium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.