Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Americium exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the actinide family, governed by an electronegativity of 1.3 and standard valence interactions.
Z = 95Actinide
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabAmericium
Am
Standard Atomic Mass: 243 u
Period 7Group 3F-Block
Chemical Specimen/Am
Concentric Electron Shells7 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 18e⁻→
n=4: 32e⁻→
n=5: 25e⁻→
n=6: 8e⁻→
n=7: 2e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Actinide
3D Atom SimulatorAmericium (Am) Scientific Profile
Americium (Am) is an element with atomic number 95, classified as a actinide. Positioned in Period 7, Group 3, and F-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([Rn]5f⁷7s²) and periodic trends.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Americium
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
[Rn]5f⁷7s²
Electronegativity
1.3 Pauling
Year Discovered
1944
Orbital Shells
7 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
f-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 3 • P: 7
Technological Utility
Industrial & Energy Applications
Americium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Americium 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 Americium are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Americium is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Americium
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Americium?
Americium (Am) has an atomic number of 95 and a standard atomic mass of 243 u. It is positioned in Period 7, Group 3, in the F-block, and is classified within the Actinide category.
Q
What is the electron configuration of Americium?
The ground-state electron configuration of Americium is [Rn]5f⁷7s². Its 95 electrons are distributed across 7 principal energy levels (2, 8, 18, 32, 25, 8, 2).
Q
Why does Americium exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Americium 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 Americium?
Americium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.