Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Curium exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the actinide family, governed by an electronegativity of 1.3 and standard valence interactions.
Z = 96Actinide
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabCurium
Cm
Standard Atomic Mass: 247 u
Period 7Group 3F-Block
Chemical Specimen/Cm
Concentric Electron Shells7 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 18e⁻→
n=4: 32e⁻→
n=5: 26e⁻→
n=6: 8e⁻→
n=7: 2e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Actinide
3D Atom SimulatorCurium (Cm) Scientific Profile
Curium (Cm) is an element with atomic number 96, 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]5f⁷6d¹7s²) and periodic trends.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Curium
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]5f⁷6d¹7s²
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
Curium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Curium 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 Curium are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Curium is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Curium
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Curium?
Curium (Cm) has an atomic number of 96 and a standard atomic mass of 247 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 Curium?
The ground-state electron configuration of Curium is [Rn]5f⁷6d¹7s². Its 96 electrons are distributed across 7 principal energy levels (2, 8, 18, 32, 26, 8, 2).
Q
Why does Curium exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Curium 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 Curium?
Curium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.